Synthesis and fluorescence properties of 9,10-bis(phenylethynyl)anthracences

9,10-Bis(phenylethynyl)anthracences (BPEAʹs) are of great interest as fluorescent emitters for peroxyoxalate chemiluminescence. A series of substituted BPEAʹs were synthesized by condensing phenylethynyl magnesium bromide with substituted anthraquinones followed by acid hydrolysis and reduction by stannous chloride. Fluorescent quantum yields of 0.72¯0.87 were found among most of the compounds, with 1-iodo-BPEA at 0.47 and 1,8-diphenoxy-BPEA at 0.51 as exceptions. Absorption and fluorescent emission data for all compounds are presented.