Synthesis and fluorescence property of 2,3-naphthalimide derivatives bearing phenyl substituents on the naphthalene skeleton

What is it about?

New π-expanding 2,3-naphthalimide derivatives were synthesized, and their emission properties were investigated. The increase of number of the phenyl group on the naphthalene backbone might enhance the fluorescence intensity of the short wavelength emission.

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Why is it important?

2,3-Naphthalimides often exhibit the dual emission (short wavelength [SW] and long wavelength [LW]). The substituents on the N-aryl and naphthalene moieties mainly affect the LW and SW states, respectively. We clarified the π-conjugation effect of the naphthalene moiety for the first time. π-Conjugation extension on the naphthalene moiety caused increase and red-shift of the SW emission, and the results of theoretical calculations were in good agreement with four phenyl groups selectively intensified the SW emission.