Photophysical properties and laser activity of 1,4-bis[β(4-quinolyl)vinyl]benzene

The spectral characteristics of 1,4-bis[Beta-(4-quinolyl)vinyl]benzene (B4QVB) have been investigated in different media. Both fluorescence and photoisomerization quantum yields have been determined in different organic solvents. The photoisomerization quantum yield is very small compared to the fluorescence yield, and both are sensitive to solvent polarity. B4QVB undergoes solubilization in both cationic and anionic micellar media. The protonation constants of B4QVB in ground and singlet-excited state have been evaluated. B4QVB is an efficient blue laser dye, where its solutions in dimethylfromamide and dimethyl sulphoxide give laser emission in the range 430-465 nm (lambda(max) = 450 nm) upon pumping with a nitrogen laser (lambda(exc) = 337.1 nm). B4QVB acts as a good energy donor for N,N-ditridecyl-3,4,9,10-perylenetetra-carboxylic diimide. The energy transfer obeys Forster type mechanism. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.