Spiro‑Linked Double Tetraphenylethenes: Solid-State Emission and Circularly Polarized Luminescence Imaging

Area of Science:

• Organic Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Photophysics

Background:

• Spiro-linked molecules offer unique structural and photophysical properties.
• Tetraphenylethenes (TPEs) are known for aggregation-induced emission (AIE).
• Spirobisanthracene frameworks are underexplored in hybrid systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• Synthesize and structurally characterize novel spirobisanthracene-tetraphenylethene hybrid systems.
• Investigate the optical properties of these compounds in solution, aggregates, and solid states.
• Explore chiroptical properties of chiral derivatives and their potential in emissive devices.

Main Methods:

• Organic synthesis of spiro-linked tetraphenylethene derivatives.
• Structural characterization using spectroscopic and crystallographic techniques.
• Optical property measurements including photoluminescence spectroscopy and circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) microscopy.

Main Results:

• Successful synthesis and characterization of two double spirobisanthracene-tetraphenylethene hybrid systems.
• Observation of white and blue emissions in the solid state for the hybrid derivatives.
• Demonstration of circularly polarized luminescence in films, aggregates, and dispersions for a chiral derivative, with identification of racemic and enantiopure crystals.

Conclusions:

• The novel spiro-systems exhibit unique solid-state optical properties, including white and blue light emission.
• Chiral derivatives display circularly polarized luminescence, highlighting potential for advanced optical applications.
• This work expands the utility of spirobisanthracene scaffolds for future emissive device development.