New 1,4-divinylbenzene conjugated truxene dyes possessing D-pi-D structure: Synthesis, linear photophysics and two-photon absorption

A series of four 1,4-divinylbenzene linked truxene moieties with different substituents were synthesized by Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons reaction. Their structures were characterized using NMR spectroscopy and HRMS spectrometry. The photophysical properties of these molecules in solvents of different polarity were investigated by UV-vis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. These results show that these compounds have strong one-photon absorption bands in the near ultraviolet region displaying relatively high fluorescence quantum yields and large Stokes' shifts. In addition, these compounds possess good solid-state fluorescence, high two-photon absorption cross-section and high thermal stability.