Spectral studies of multi-branched fluorescence dyes based on triphenylpyridine core.

A series of novel triphenylpyridine-containing triphenylamine derivatives have been carefully designed and prepared in good yields using the stepwise route reactions. The relationship of photoluminescence property and structure of compounds 9-13 was systematically investigated via UV-vis, fluorescence, thermogravimetric and electrochemical analyzer. The highest occupied molecular orbital and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital distributions of compounds 9-13 were calculated by density functional theory method. The high fluorescence quantum yields, desirable the highest occupied molecular orbital levels and high thermal stability of compounds 9-13 indicate that the linkage of triphenylpyridine and triphenylamine is an efficient means to enhance hole-transporting ability and fluorescent quantum yield. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.