Synthesis, structure and properties of a novel quinoid compound

A novel quinoid compound α,α,α′,α′-tetra(4-tert-butylphenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole-quinodimethane (TPOQ) was synthesized through oxidative dehydrogenation in basic condition. The structure was characterized by elemental analysis, 1H NMR, and mass spectrum. UV-vis spectra, photoluminescence (PL) spectra, and electron spin resonance (ESR) measurements showed that the compound had a small bandgap and π-π* transition process produced an increase of polarity. Pure red emission at near 670 nm was observed from a single layer electroluminescence (EL) device, the emission color was unchanged with increase of applied voltage, which showed that TPOQ could be used as red emission material.