Synthesis and photoluminescent properties of a series of pnictogen-centered chromophores

A complete series of triarylpnictines of the form PnTbs3 (Pn = a pnictogen, P, As, Sb, or Bi, Tbs = (E)-4-(4-t-butylstyryl)phenyl) has been prepared, and their absorption and photoluminescence spectral properties examined. Although it was anticipated that fluoresence would be significantly quenched for the heavier atom-centered pnictines in this series, unexpectedly high fluorescence was observed for AsTbs3 and SbTbs3. Phosphorescence was also observed to increase as the series was descended. This set of materials includes the first examples of stilbene-substituted As, Sb, and Bi materials.