Electronic states of 1,4-bis(phenylethynyl)benzene: A synchrotron radiation linear dichroism investigation

► Previously unobserved electronic transitions of 1,4-bis(phenylethynyl)benzene (BPEB). ► Synchrotron radiation linear dichroism of BPEB aligned in stretched polyethylene. ► Remarkably efficient molecular alignment of BPEB in stretched polyethylene. ► Spectral band shape strongly dependent on degree of stretching and on temperature. ► Efficient planarization of the molecule in stretched polyethylene.