On-demand fluorescence control via self-assembly of amphiphilic acridone trimers
Isabelle Kolly1, Simon M Langenegger1, Shi-Xia Liu1
1Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, W. Inäbnit Laboratory for Molecular Quantum Materials, WSS-Research Center for Molecular Quantum Systems, University of Bern Freiestrasse 3 3012 Bern Switzerland shi-xia.liu@unibe.ch robert.haener@unibe.ch.
Abstract:
Self-assembly in aqueous media offers a promising strategy for the development of dynamic and adaptive materials. In this context, two new amphiphilic dicyanomethylenated acridone trimers have been synthesized and fully characterized. These molecules exhibit a reversible and tunable self-assembly behavior, forming spherical nanostructures in aqueous media. This self-assembly process is accompanied by distinct changes in their optical properties, remarkably an enhancement in fluorescence arising from restricted molecular torsion within the assembled structures. This study clearly demonstrates that crystalline-like properties can be achieved through solution-based self-assembly. Moreover, the length of the N-alkyl substituents on the acridone core plays a pivotal role in controlling both the self-assembly dynamics and the corresponding optical responses.
