Synthesis and characterization of oligothiophene-functionalized phenanthroline chromophores with symmetrical or unsymmetrical configuration

A series of promising symmetrical or unsymmetrical oligothiophene-functionalized phenanthroline chromophores was synthesized by cross-coupling reactions, and their photophysics, morphologic structure, thermal stability were characterized. All compounds which ranged from crystalline to amorphous character, provided with an excellent thermal stability. Bright blue–green emission and positive solvatochromism of these compounds were evaluated. Moreover, the redox behaviors of these compounds were performed by cyclic voltammetry. In a word, the chemical and physical properties of these compounds could be efficiently regulated by the symmetrical or unsymmetrical molecular configuration.