Synthesis of stimuli-responsive luminescent liquid with a Tris(arylethynyl)benzene backbone

Abstract

In this study, we report compounds consisting of a branched alkoxy chain as well as three kinds of arylethynyl moieties at 2, 4, and 6-positions. Compounds substituted with benzenes and thiophenes show fluorescent properties, but does not show responsiveness to acid. On the other hand, the pyridine-introduced compound shows a change in fluorescence color upon the addition of HCl. This is because the added acid can interact with the imino-N atom to change the electronic state of compounds.