Benzothiazole-enamide-based BF2 complexes: luminophores exhibiting aggregation-induced emission, tunable emission and highly efficient solid-state emission

Abstract

A series of benzothiazole-enamide-based boron difluoride complexes (Borebt1–6) were synthesized and characterized. These new luminophores were demonstrated to possess aggregation-induced emission, tunable, substituent-dependent emission profiles and large Stokes shift in solution. In the solid state, Borebt1–6 exhibited intense emission with high quantum yields of 0.21–0.37. The photophysical properties and AIE characteristics of these compounds were rationalized through X-ray crystal analysis, electrochemical studies and theoretical calculations. Furthermore, Borebt3–6 were capable of sensing acidic gas by reversible changes of emission, which may potentially serve as solid-state fluorescent sensors for acidic vapors.