Synthesis, structures, and luminescent properties of phenol-pyridyl boron complexes

Syntheses of the four mixed phenol-pyridine derivatives 1,6-bis(2-hydroxyphenyl)pyridyl boron naphthalene (1), 1,6-bis(2-hydroxy-5-methylphenyl)pyridyl boron naphthalene (2), 1,6-bis(2-hydroxyphenyl)pyridyl boron 2-methoxylbenzene (3), and 1,6-bis(2-hydroxy-5-methylphenyl)pyridyl boron 2-methoxylbenzene (4) are reported. The structures of the boron compounds 1, 3, and 4 were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The molecular packing is characterized by intermolecular pi...pi and hydrogen-bonding interactions. DSC analysis demonstrates that 1 and 2 have good thermal stability with higher glass transition temperatures (Tg) and melting points (Tm) than 3 and 4. Boron complexes 1-4 display bright blue luminescence in solution and the solid state. White and blue electroluminescent (EL) devices were fabricated successfully using these boron compounds.