Synthesis of Stilbenes Using Various Catalysts and Investigation of their Optical Properties

Stilbenes substituted with –CN, –OMe and –Br were synthesized using four different Lewis acid catalysts and their reaction efficiencies were compared. In addition to McMurry reagents known in literature, a more familiar and economical catalyst ZnCl2 was used for the first time in our reaction procedures. Furthermore, bromine substituted stilbenes were subjected to Suzuki coupling reactions to append a triphenylamine (TPA) unit, which enhances fluorescence emissions. Solvatochromic properties of synthesized stilbenes were investigated and aggregation caused quenching (ACQ) properties of TPA containing molecules were systematically examined. Optical properties were also theoretically investigated.