Synthesis and characterization of highly stable and efficient star-molecules

A series of well-defined star-shaped molecules have been synthesized by Pd-catalyzed Suzuki cross-coupling starting from very simple reactants with 1,3,5-trisubstituted benzene, 2,4,6-trisubstituted pyridine and trisubstituted phenylcarbazole as the backbones. These star-molecules are all soluble in common organic solvents and electrochemically stable with reversible cyclic voltammographs and high lying HOMOs. They exhibit excellent blue-fluorescence with quantum yield up to 0.87 and high glass transition temperatures. These molecules offer potential as pure blue-light emitting, hole-transport or host materials for optoelectronic applications.

► Seven star molecules were synthesized by Pd-catalyzed Suzuki coupling. ► The star molecules were fully characterized by 1H NMR, IR, EA, MS. ► The star molecules are electrochemically and thermally stable. ► The star-molecules are useful for pure-blue-emitting, hole-transport, host material.