Synthesis and photophysical processes of a novel 1,10-phenanthroline-containing p-conjugated chromophores and Zn(II) chelated complex

A novel 1,10-phenanthroline-containing p-conjugated chromophore, 3,8-di-(1-naphthyl)-1,10-phenanthroline, was synthesized by Suzuki reaction and its chelated complex was prepared. The UV–visible spectroscopy and photoluminescent (PL) properties were investigated. The results show that when the solution of the complex in THF located in low concentration range (<10−6 mol/L), the fluorescence emission exhibit only one emission band and the excimer is formed with gradual increase in concentration of the complex. The emission spectra of the complex show obvious solvent effect. In addition, the intermolecular action between the complex and fullerene (C60) were investigated. The fluorescence intensity of the complex is decreased and the maximal emission obvious red-shifted with the increasing of the concentration of C60, which suggests that the strong interactions between the complex and C60 happen in the excited state.