Single crystal X-ray structure and optical properties of anthraquinone-based dyes

This study focuses on the preparation, single crystal X-ray diffraction, characterization, and optical properties of some anthraquinone-based dyes. The anthraquinone-based antimicrobial dye N-{2-[(9,10-dioxo-9,10-dihydroanthracen-1-yl)amino]-2-oxoethyl}-N,N-dimethylbutan-1-aminium chloride monohydrate (III) was obtained from 1-aminoanthraquinone (I) via 2-chloro-N-(9,10-dioxo-9,10-dihydroanthracen-1-yl)acetamide (II) using known preparation and characterization methods. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of III revealed a monoclinic system, space group P2₁/n, Z = 4. Photoluminescence properties of anthraquinone dyes I–III were also investigated. These dyes gave an intense emission (λ_max = 341 nm) upon the irradiation by UV light and showed photoluminescence quantum yields of 73 %, 66 %, and 61 % with long excited-state lifetimes of 6.87 ns, 6.14 ns, and 5.69 ns, respectively. These anthraquinone dyes are of interest as an organic light emitting material for electroluminescent devices.