Synthesis of a Multi‐Stimulus Responsive RGB Fluorescent Organic Molecule Based on Dark Through‐Bond Energy Transfer Mechanism

Abstract

In this study, a novel multi‐stimulus responsive RGB fluorescent organic molecule, RTPE‐NH2, was designed and synthesized based on the combination of aggregation‐induced emission tetraphenylethylene (TPE) luminophore and acid‐responsive fluorescent molecular switch Rhodamine B. RTPE‐NH2 exhibits aggregation‐induced emission behavior, as well as UV irradiation‐stimulus and acid‐stimulus responsive fluorescence properties. It could emit orange‐red (R), green(G), and blue(B) light in both solution and PMMA film under 365 nm excitation. The dark through‐bond energy transfer (DTBET) mechanism was proposed and supported by control experiments and TD‐DFT calculations. The synthesis and application of RTPE‐NH2 could accelerate the development of organic smart materials with high sensitivity and excellent optical properties.