Synthesis of fluorinated first generation starburst molecules containing a triethanolamine core and 1,2,4-oxadiazoles

5-Pentafluorophenyl-1,2,4-oxadiazoles, differently substituted at C(3), have been synthesized and used to functionalize the aliphatic primary hydroxyl functionalities of triethanolamine, under mild conditions. UV–visible absorption and emission spectra are reported, for both tri- and difunctionalised molecules, showing their potential applications as light-emitters in optoelectronic devices.