Structurally Twisted Supramolecular Organogel Material with Prominent Aggregation-Induced Emission Enhancement

A novel organic molecule, KB-2, was designed and synthesized by incorporating pyridyl dicarboxamide (PDA) bearing dodecoxyl side chains into a twisted chromophoric 4,7-dianthracenylbenzothiadiazole core. For comparison, a model compound, KB-1, lacking the PDA moieties, was also prepared. KB-2 demonstrated excellent gelation ability, forming stable organogels in a variety of organic solvents, consistent with the expected contribution of PDA groups to supramolecular self-assembly. A comprehensive investigation of the self-assembly, gelation behavior, and optical properties of KB-2 was conducted in both solution and aggregated states. Both KB-1 and KB-2 exhibited pronounced aggregation-induced emission enhancement (AIEE), confirming the critical role of the twisted core in modulating their photophysical properties. The aggregation characteristics of both KB-1 and KB-2 were systematically studied to elucidate structure-property relationships, highlighting how molecular design influences emission behavior, aggregation modes, and gelation capability.