Diaryltrisphaeridine Derivatives: Synthesis, Experimental Electrochemical and Photophysical Properties, and Theoretical Studies

A series of diaryltrisphaeridines have been synthesized by iodination of trisphaeridine and subsequent Suzuki coupling reactions. The photophysical and electrochemical properties of these compounds have been investigated and it has been found that they are dependent on the aryl substituents. In particular, the presence of dimethylamino groups induces a bright-green emission, thus making this compound a promising candidate for fluorescence devices and molecular sensors. Moreover, the green emission disappears on addition of HCl and this material can therefore also be used as a sensor for protons. The results have been rationalized by DFT and TD-DFT theoretical studies.