Induced phosphorescence of some aza- and thio-stilbenes embedded in thallium-exchanged zeolites

The emission properties of some aza-stilbenes (2-, 3- and 4-styrylpyridine) and thio-stilbenes [2- and 3-styrylthiophene and 1,2-di-(3-thienyl)ethene] have been investigated after inclusion in commercial (NaY) and cation-exchanged (TlY) faujasite zeolites to get information on the triplet properties through population of the T₁ state induced by the heavy atom effect. The fluorescence properties in NaY and TlY were compared with those reported in solution. The phosphorescence spectra, observed in TlY at liquid nitrogen temperature, allowed the energy levels of the T₁ states to be obtained. Phosphorescence lifetimes were also measured. Their comparison with the lifetime known for stilbene showed that the radiative decay is little affected by the heteroatoms.