Synthesis of new fluorescent 2-(2′,2-bithienyl)-1,3-benzothiazoles

Bithienyl-1,3-benzothiazole derivatives were synthesised by reacting various 5-formyl-5'-alkoxy- or 5-formyl-5'-N,N-dialkylamino-2,2'-bithiophenes with ortho-aminobenzenethiol in good to excellent yields. Evaluation of the fluorescence properties of these compounds was carried out. They Show strong fluorescence in the 450-600 nm region, as well as high quantum yields and large Stokes' shifts. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.