2,4-Bis(arylethynyl)-9-chloro-5,6,7,8-tetrahydroacridines: synthesis and photophysical properties

Acridine derivatives have attracted considerable interest in numerous areas owing to their attractive physical and chemical properties. Herein, starting from readily available anthranilic acid, an efficient synthesis of 2,4-bis(arylethynyl)-9-chloro-5,6,7,8-tetrahydroacridine derivatives was accomplished via a one-pot double Sonogashira cross-coupling method. The UV-visible absorption and emission properties of the synthesized molecules have been examined. Additionally, theoretical studies based on density functional theory (DFT/B3LYP/6-31G(d)) were carried out.