Synthesis and characterization of a range of POSS imides

The microwave condensation of mono-amino functionalised polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) with a range of mono- and bis-anhydrides yielded the corresponding POSS imide compounds, which were characterized by UV–Vis and fluorescence spectrophotometry. The perylene POSS imide derivative was further characterized by single crystal X-ray crystallography. The naphthyl POSS bis/monoimide exhibited extremely weak fluorescence, whilst the perylene POSS bis-imide displayed particularly strong fluorescence, with a quantum yield approaching unity.

► Microwave condensation of mono-amino POSS with a range of mono- and bis-anhydrides.
► Perylene POSS imide derivative characterized by single crystal X-ray crystallography.
► Perylene POSS bis-imide displayed strong fluorescence, with quantum yield approaching unity.