Supramolecular nanostructures of coil-rod-coil molecules containing a 9,10-distyrylanthracene group in aqueous solution and their optical properties of assemblies

A series of coil-rod-coil molecules containing a 9,10-distyrylanthracene (DSA) core was successfully synthesized. The flexible parts of these molecules are composed of different polyethylene oxide chains. These molecules with aggregation-induced luminescence properties can be assembled into micelles, spheres, and sheet-like nano-assemblies in aqueous solution and have a strong ability to form charge-transfer complexes with the electron-deficient small molecules 2,4,5,7-tetranitro-9-fluorenone and 2,4,6-trinitrophenol. Interestingly, under ultraviolet light irradiation, the DSA structure undergoes photolysis and induces the disappearance of the aggregation-induced luminescence phenomena, giving these molecules application potential as a photodegradable material. In addition, these molecules are suitable organic dyes for information encryption and anti-counterfeiting applications.

Automated summary

A series of coil-rod-coil molecules with a 9,10-distyrylanthracene (DSA) core were synthesized, containing flexible parts made of different polyethylene oxide chains. These molecules exhibited aggregation-induced luminescence and could form charge-transfer complexes with specific small molecules. Interestingly, the DSA structure could undergo photolysis under ultraviolet light, causing the disappearance of luminescence and making these molecules potential for photodegradable applications. Additionally, they could be utilized as organic dyes for information encryption and anti-counterfeiting purposes.