Substituent effects on the photophysical properties of tris(salicylideneanilines)

The role of electron acceptor/donor group substitution on the photophysical properties of tris(salicylideneanilines) (TSANs) was investigated. These compounds were synthesised and characterised through spectroscopic techniques including steady state absorption and emission spectroscopies. Their photochemical reaction mechanisms and properties were explored with the aid of ab initio methods of quantum chemistry. The obtained results allow us to verify the dependence of multiple emission bands on the substitution of electron donating and accepting groups to the tris(salicylideneaniline) core. The results also stress the differences in phosphorescence behaviour of TSANs for which this type of emission has not been reported so far.

Automated summary

This study investigated the impact of electron acceptor/donor group substitution on the photophysical properties of TSANs through spectroscopic techniques and ab initio quantum chemistry methods. The results confirmed the dependence of multiple emission bands on the substitution of electron donating and accepting groups, and revealed new differences in the phosphorescence behavior of TSANs.