Synthesis and luminescence properties of novel 4-(N-carbazole methyl) benzoyl hydrazone Schiff bases

► Nine novel Schiff bases have been designed and synthesized. ► Introduction of the donating electron groups causes various grade red shifts of the fluorescence characteristic emission peak and the UV characteristic absorption peak of the synthesized Schiff bases. ► Introduction of the donating electron groups causes the fluorescence quantum yields to be increased considerably. ►Introduction of the accepting electron groups causes the fluorescence intensity and quantum yield of the synthesized Schiff bases to be reduced. ► Fluorescence quantum yield of o-hydroxyl-substituted Schiff base is up to 0.703; this Schiff base is expected to be used as hole transport optical material.