Solid-state red emission of boron–fluorine complexes with extended π-conjugated structure

•BOPIM dyes with extended π-conjugated structure are facilely synthesized.•These dyes exhibit intense fluorescence and large Stokes shifts.•They show classical J-aggregated emission.•Solid emissions are observed for both dyes.

Two unique boron–fluorine complexes bearing extended conjugated structure were designed and synthesized facilely. These compounds absorb in visible region and emit red light in solutions with large Stokes shift. However, emission red-shift was observed with concentration increasing, showing typical J-aggregated fluorescence. Due to the J-aggregate formation, red emissions were observed in solid state for both compounds.

Graphical abstractSolid-emissive red BOPIM dyes with extended π-conjugated structure were synthesized and characterized.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide