On the Influence of Substitution Patterns in Thioether-Based Luminophores with Aggregation-Induced Emission Properties

In this work we present a full study on the influence of substitution patterns in aromatic thioether-based luminogens with aggregation induced emission properties. To this end nine different compounds, either with nitrile groups in ortho, meta or para positions as well as phenol groups in different positions were synthesized and investigated concerning their photo-physical properties. Besides that, eight compounds were obtained as single crystals for X-ray analysis to get a deeper understanding on the packing parameters, secondary interactions as well their influence on the properties of these compounds. Time dependent density functional theory calculations helped to understand the distribution of the frontier orbitals. Moreover, these nanostructures were analysed concerning their applicability as cellular markers. We could thus show that indeed subtle differences in shape and substitution pattern dramatically influence the photophysical properties as well as cellular uptake of the compounds.