Mechanochemically Derived Aggregation-Induced Emission (AIE) Active Polyaromatic Amides and Dendritic-Like Molecules...

A mechanochemical synthesis in a ball mill of a series of polyaromatic AIE-active monoamides and dendritic-like molecules has been demonstrated. The use of mechanochemistry allowed high yields to be achieved in a short time. Additionally, an in-house made mill composed of simple components available in any chemical laboratory (termed WUT Glass Mill) was constructed as an alternative to the commercially available ball mill. Despite its simple design, this equipment enabled higher isolated yields to be achieved as compared to the commercial ball mill, together with providing parametrized solid-state reaction conditions. Photophysical properties of the resultant AIE-active monoamides and dendritic-like molecules, as well as their application as receptors for halide anions, as representative analytes, were comprehensively studied. The relationships between the structure and photophysical as well as receptor properties of the designed molecules were highlighted, with identified crucial structural parameters toward providing excellent photophysical properties or selectivity toward detection of soft or hard bases. As the result of described studies, a new class of mechanochemically-synthesized AIE-active molecular receptors with tunable photophysical and receptor properties is reported for the first time.