A borondipyrromethene (BODIPY)–ferrocene dyad
where both
units are connected by an ethynylstyryl linker was synthesized, and
its fluorescence and electrochemical and electrofluorochromic features
were analyzed first in solution and then as a surface-confined species.
Immobilization was achieved by a siloxane derivatization at the meso
position of the BODIPY, which enabled covalent grafting onto the ITO
surface. The resulting monolayer showed high stability in the redox
response and positive electrofluorochromism. Fluorescent emission
was indeed switched on upon oxidation and monitored electrochemically,
with good reversibility across cycles. This demonstrated that electrofluorochromic
properties could be transposed from solution to the surface in the
case of dyads whose emission is initially quenched.