Synthesis and photophysical characterization of novel π-conjugated vinyl sulfides

•The synthesis and photophysical characterization of novel π-conjugated vinyl sulfides were carried out.•Wittig–Horner of dialdehydes with bis[(diphenylphosphinoyl)methyl]sulfide gave the products.•Absorption and emission maxima were in the ranges 350–366 nm and 421–441 nm, respectively.•The sulfur atom participates as a bridge within these highly conjugated structures.•Vinyl sulfide-based π-conjugated materials may be useful for development of new organic emitters.

The synthesis and photophysical properties of a series of π-conjugated vinyl sulfides are described. These compounds exhibited their absorption maxima in the range of 350–366 nm, while the emission spectra displayed peaks in the zone of 421–441 nm; both of them were influenced, although in different degrees, by the extent of the conjugated system. Red-shifted absorption and emission were observed when the π-conjugation was extended, clearly indicating that the sulfur atom participates as a bridge within these highly conjugated structures. Therefore, this preliminary investigation suggests that vinyl sulfide-based π-conjugated materials are promising compounds for the development of novel and efficient organic emitters.

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