Bulky group functionalized porphyrin and its Zn (II) complex with high emission in aggregation

• High emission of porphyrin and its Zn (II) complex in aggregates was investigated.
• The bulk groups play a dominant role in forming J-aggregates.
• The mechanism of high emission is the steric effects hampering the π–π stacking.
• DFT was performed to understand the relationship of structure and luminescence.

A novel porphyrin derivative 5,10,15,20-tetra-4′-(tert-butylthio)phenylporphyrin (abbreviated as TSPP) and its Zn (II) complex (Zn-TSPP) have been synthesized and characterized, which possess aggregation-induced emission enhancement (AIEE) properties. The bulky groups increase the intermolecular steric effects which impede the π–π stacking interactions inducing J-aggregates of the two compounds in the THF-H2O mixed solution. DFT calculation was used to understand the relationship of molecular structure and luminescence.

Bulky substituent modified porphyrin derivative and its Zn (II) complex possess excellent aggregation-induced emission enhancement (AIEE) properties due to the enormous intermolecular steric effects which hamper the π–π stacking interaction and induce the formation of J-aggregation, by which to achieve ACQ–AIEE transformation.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide