In this contribution, we report a supramolecular approach toward mesogens showing aggregation-induced emission (AIE). AIE-active aromatic thioethers, acting as hydrogen-bond donors, were combined with alkoxystilbazoles as hydrogen-bond acceptors. Upon self-assembly, hydrogen-bonded complexes with monotropic liquid crystalline behavior were obtained. In addition, it was found that the introduction of a chiral citronellyl side chain leads to drastic bathochromic shift of the emission, which was not observed for linear alkyl chains. The mesomorphic behavior, as well as the photophysical properties as a solid and in the mesophase of the liquid crystalline assemblies, were studied in detail.

In this contribution, we present the synthesis and self‐assembly of alkylated thioethers with interesting photophysical properties. To this end, the emission, absorption and excitation spectra in organic solvents and as aggregates in water were measured as well as the corresponding photoluminescence quantum yields and lifetimes. The aggregates in aqueous media were visualized and measured using transmission electron microscopy. Besides that, crystal structures of selected compounds allowed a detailed discussion of the structure–property relationship. Furthermore, the mesomorphic behavior was investigated using polarized optical microscopy (POM) as well as differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).

In this work we present a full study on the influence of substitution patterns in aromatic thioether-based luminogens with aggregation induced emission properties. To this end nine different compounds, either with nitrile groups in ortho, meta or para positions as well as phenol groups in different positions were synthesized and investigated concerning their photophysical properties. Besides that, eight compounds were obtained as single crystals for X-ray analysis to get a deeper understanding on the packing parameters, secondary interac-tions as well their influence on the properties of these compounds. Time dependent density functional theory calculations helped to understand the distribution of the frontier orbitals. Moreover, these nanostructures were analysed concerning their applicability as cellular markers. We could thus show that indeed subtle differences in shape and substitution pattern dramatically influence the photophysical properties as well as cellular uptake of the compounds.[a] J.

The evolution of the fluorescence quantum yields was correlated with the increase of C–H⋯π and the decrease of π⋯π interactions in the solid state.