5-Phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene derivatives: Synthesis, spectroscopic and electrochemical investigation

A series of novel dyes, whose structures are based on 5-phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene skeleton have been fully synthesized and characterized. The dyes were prepared in two-stage synthesis reaction. The 2-cyano-3-[4-aminophenyl]-2-propenamide derivatives, and the final dyes were characterized by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy and their purity was checked by thin-layer chromatography and finally HPLC. The spectroscopic properties of the prepared dyes were studied in four different solvents.

► A series of biphenyl dyes were synthesized in two-stage synthesis and characterized.
► The electronic absorption and fluorescence spectra have been investigated.
► The spectroscopic behavior of the tested dyes in four solvents has been compared.
► The large red shifts of the emission bands in polar solvents are observed.