Synthesis, crystal Structures and aggregation-induced emission enhancement of aryl-substituted cyclopentadiene derivatives

A series of cyclopentadiene derivates, namely, 1,2,4-triphenylcyclopenta-1,3-diene (1), 1,2-diphenyl-4-(p-methoxyphenyl)cyclopenta-1,3-diene (2) and 1,2-di(p-methoxyphenyl)-4-phenylcyclopenta-1,3-diene (3), were synthesized and their photoluminescence properties in solutions and aggregation state were investigated. Different photoluminescence properties of 1–3 were tuned by changing types and replace position of substituent groups. These cyclopentadiene derivates display solvent-dependent fluorescence emissions and typical aggregation-induced emission enhancement (AIEE) characteristics. The crystal structure analysis reveals that intermolecular C–H…π interactions and X-aggregation molecule stacking have a dramatic effect on the photoluminescent properties of 1–3. Additionally, the DFT calculations of these compounds were investigated. -- Graphical abstract: A series of aryl-substituted cyclopentadiene derivatives with AIEE properties were synthesized and their crystal structures and photoluminescence properties in solution and aggregation state were studied. Highlights: ► A series of cyclopentadiene derivates were synthesized via aldol condensation followed cyclizing and dehydrating reaction. ► The effect of solvents on fluorescence properties of these compounds were investigated in seven organic solvents. ► These compounds show typical aggregation-induced emission enhancement properties