Barbituric Derivative Nanoaggregates with Aggregation-Induced Emission and Mechanofluorochromism

Abstract

Three new nonplanar barbituric derivatives, named as TTB, TTTB, and TOB, were synthesized. The D-π-A type conjugated compounds showed obvious intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) property, which was evidenced by theoretical calculations and spectral analyses. All of them exhibited aggregation induced emission (AIE) when formed nanoaggregates. These nanoaggregates also showed reversible mechanofluorochromism (MFC). Their red light emission became deep red after grinding and then recovered with dichloromethane fuming. Hence, a strategy to fabricate mechanofluorochromic nanoaggregate phosphors via nonplanar π-skeleton and steric effect was demonstrated, and these nanophosphors possess potentials for mechanosensors and anticounterfeiting technology.