Synthesis, photophysical and electrochemical properties of symmetric silicon-linked coumarin-oxadiazole derivatives

A novel, silicon-linked, symmetric, V-shaped, coumarin derivative (1) with an electron-deficient 1,3,4-oxadiazoles unit and a phenyl moiety was synthesized and characterized. An efficient multifunctional organic light-emitting diode material was obtained through the use of optical, electrochemical, thermal, and theoretical investigations. We show that the Si atom induces a V-shaped structure that weakens π–π stacking and thus limits aggregation-induced quenching. As expected, a gradual transition from a locally excited state to an intramolecular charge-transfer state is observed with increasing solvent polarity. This new type of compound exhibits tunable light emission in solution making it a versatile emitter.

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