Aggregation-Induced Emission of Organogels Based on Self-Assembled 5-(4-Nonylphenyl)-7-azaindoles

A new self-assembled organogel based on 5-(4-nonylphenyl)-7-azaindole (1), possessing an aggregation-induced emission phenomenon (AIE), is described. The incorporation of phenyl alkyl chains improves processability of the platform to form a new class of gelator. The fluorescence spectrum of 1 suffers changes in the gelation process, and an AIE phenomenon is observed during the phase transition from sol to gel state. The fluorescence is decreased slowly by heating the gel, and no emission is detected in concentrated solutions of 1. The AIE effect is due to the formation of the supramolecular organogel, where a self-association of the 7-azaindole moieties by dual hydrogen-bonded dimers is present. Regarding the solid-state emission properties, the xerogel 1 exhibits blue emission as well as in its organogel form. Therefore, it could be considered as a promising blue emitter in the solid state.