The synthesis and photoluminescence characteristics of novel α,β-diarylacrylonitrile derivatives containing both a biphenyl group and a triphenylamine unit

2-(4-Bromophenyl)-3-(4-diphenylaminophenyl)acrylonitrile was prepared by the base catalysed condensation of 4-diphenylaminobenzaldehyde and 2-(4-bromophenyl)acetonitrile. A series of α,β-diarylacrylonitrile derivatives containing both a biphenyl group and a triphenylamine unit were synthesized from 2-(4-bromophenyl)-3-(4-diphenylaminophenyl)acrylonitrile and boronic acids via a Suzuki reaction. The structures of these compounds were characterized using FTIR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, MS and elemental analysis. The UV–vis absorption and photoluminescent spectra of these derivatives were investigated. These compounds emit green fluorescence with maximum emission peaks of 500–550 nm in CH2Cl2 solution and in the solid state under UV irradiation. Analysis revealed good thermal stability with a decomposition temperature ranging from 279–386 °C.