Fluorescence to multi-colored phosphorescence interconversion of a novel, asterisk-shaped luminogen via multiple external stimuli

We designed and characterized an asterisk-shaped luminogen, hexakis(pyridin-4-ylthio)benzene (HPTB). Via external stimuli such as CH3OH, H+, and Ag+, HPTB's luminogenic character transitioned from blue fluorescence to green, yellow, and orange phosphorescence. Results showed that this interconversion was a reversible process that was also reproducible in liquid and in the solid state.