Rationally
designed molecules with versatile conformations are
ideal candidates for creating challenging single component-based multicolor
emissive materials. Herein, a new strategy is presented by introducing
a C–C double bond in an o-carborane derivative.
Compared to a linear connection using a C–C triple bond (CbPyY),
a C–C double bond connection (CbPyE) exhibited a zigzag structure
and unique fluorescence behavior. Yellow, yellowish orange, and red
crystals or films of CbPyE can be obtained, while only orange ones
of CbPyY were achieved under the same condition. Single crystal XRD
and theoretical calculation studies revealed the zigzag structure
brings asymmetry to one arm of CbPyE, which causes conformation diversity
and leads to the multicolor emission. Interestingly, different emissions
showed different responses to acetone vapor; the yellow one showed
much higher sensitivity and faster response than the other two. It
is believed that the prepared materials and the proposed strategy
would contribute to future advances in single-fluorophore-based multicolor
emissive materials.