The structure of the blue luminescent delta-phase of tris(8-hydroxyquinoline)aluminium(III) (Alq3)

Bis(8-hy-droxy-quinolinium) naphthalene-1,5-di-sulfonate tetra-hydrate

The inter-action between 8-hy-droxy-quinoline (8HQ, C9H7NO) and naphthalene-1,5-di-sulfonic acid (H2NDS, C10H8O6S2) in aqueous media results in the formation of the salt hydrate bis-(8-hy-droxy-quinolinium) naphthalene-1,5-di-sulfonate tetra-hydrate, 2C9H8NO+·C10H6O6S2 2-·4H2O. The asymmetric unit comprises one protonated 8HQ+ cation, half of an NDS2- dianion symmetrically disposed around a center of inversion, and two water mol-ecules. Within the crystal structure, these components are organized into chains along the [010] and [10] directions through O-H⋯O and N-H⋯O hydrogen-bonding inter-actions, forming a di-periodic network parallel to (101). Additional stabilizing inter-actions such as C-H⋯O, C-H⋯π, and π-π inter-actions extend this arrangement into a tri-periodic network structure.

Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance study of polymorphism in tris(8-hydroxyquinolinate)aluminium

Tris(8-hydroxyquinolinate)aluminium (Alq₃ ) is a metal-organic coordination complex, which is a widely used electroluminescent material in organic light-emitting diode technology. Crystalline Alq₃ is known to occur in five polymorphic forms (denoted α, β, γ, δ, and ε), although the structures of some of these polymorphs have been the subject of considerable debate. In particular, the structure of α-Alq₃ , which is a model for the local structure in amorphous films used in devices, is highly complex and has never been conclusively solved. In this work, we use solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations to investigate the local structure of four Alq₃ samples. We find that the first structure proposed for α-Alq₃ is inconsistent with all of the samples studied, and DFT calculations further suggest that this structure is energetically unfavourable. Instead, samples containing the meridional (mer) isomeric form are found to contain local structures consistent with ε-Alq₃ , and a sample containing the facial (fac) isomeric form is consistent with a mixture of γ-Alq₃ and δ-Alq₃ . We also investigate the influence of different strategies for dispersion correction in DFT geometry optimisations. We find that a recently proposed modified semiempirical dispersion correction scheme gives good agreement with experiment. Furthermore, the DFT calculations also show that distinction between mer and fac isomers on the basis of η_Q that has been assumed in previous work is not always justified.

Synthesis and Physical Properties of Tetrathiafulvalene-8-Quinolinato Zinc(II) and Nickel(II) Complexes

To develop donor–acceptor–donor (D–A–D) type new photo-electric conversion materials, new tetrathiafulvalene (TTF)-Mq2-TTF complexes 1 and 2 were synthesized, where two bis(n-hexylthio)tetrathiafulvalene moieties were attached to the Mq2 part (1: M = Zn, 2: M = Ni, q = 8-quinolinato) through amide bonds. UV-Vis absorption spectra of these complexes showed strong and sharp absorption maxima at 268 nm and small absorption maxima around 410 nm, corresponding to those of Znq2 and Niq2 parts. Furthermore, complexes 1 and 2 exhibited absorption tails up to a much longer wavelength region of ca. 700 nm, suggesting the appearance of charge transfer absorption from TTF to the Mq2 parts. The photoelectrochemical measurements on the thin films of these complexes casted on ITO-coated glass substrates suggest that positive photocurrents can be generated by the photoinduced intramolecular electron transfer process between the TTF and Mq2 parts.

Comparison of a dimeric and a monomeric indium-quinolinato complex: synthesis, structure and photoluminescence

Two indium(iii) complexes, mer-[In(Ox)₃]·2H₂O (1) and [In₂(Ox)₂Cl₂-μ-[κ²-O,O′-(Ox)₂]]·C₇H₈ (2) (Ox = 8-hydroxyquinolinate), were synthesized and characterised for comparison by NMR, X-ray diffraction and photoluminescence.

Topological Analysis of Hydroxyquinoline Derivatives Interacting with Aluminum Cations or with an Al(111) Surface

The reactivity of hydroxyquinoline derivatives (native molecules (Hq) and modified species (HqX, X = Br, SO₃H, or SO₃^-)) is investigated either (i) with aluminum cations for the formation of chelates or (ii) with aluminum surfaces for their adsorption properties, in the framework of the dispersion-corrected Density Functional Theory (DFT-D). It is shown that the substituent X has no influence on the complexation to the aluminum cation of the deprotonated active form, i.e., the one exhibiting a phenolate moiety and referred to as q^- for the native Hq and qX^n- (n = 1 or 2) for its derivatives. The formation energies of the Alq₃ and Al(qX)₃ complexes, taking values of -60.87 ± 3.10 eV in vacuum and -24.30 ± 0.29 eV in water, are indicative of a strong chelating affinity of the q^- and qX^n- (n = 1 or 2) anions for the aluminum cations. ELF and QTAIM topological analyses on these complexes evidence that the bonding of the deprotonated species with the Al³⁺ ion is ionic with a very weak covalence degree. The para or ortho substituent X of the phenolate moiety of the qX^n- (n = 1 or 2) derivatives modifies the electronic structure only locally and thus does not influence their O- or N-coordinating properties. The adsorption properties of the latter on an Al(111) surface have also been studied within periodic DFT-D calculations. The adsorbed species are strongly interacting with the Al(111) surface, as shown by the value of the adsorption energy of -3.69 ± 0.21 eV for the most stable geometries. Various adsorption modes of the q^- and qX^n- (n = 1 or 2) derivatives are characterized on the Al surface, depending on stabilizing or destabilizing interactions with the substituents X. On the basis of QTAIM descriptors, the bonding of the hydroxyquinoline species on the aluminum surface is characterized as ionic with a weak covalent character.

Fine Fabrication and Optical Waveguide Characteristics of Hexagonal tris(8-hydroxyquinoline)aluminum(Ⅲ) (Alq3) Crystal

Herein, we reported on the precise growth and optical waveguide characteristics of hexagonal tris(8-hydroxyquinoline)aluminum(Ⅲ) (Alq3) micro-crystals (MCs). The hexagonal Alq3 MCs were prepared using surfactant-assisted assembly growth with the help of cetyltrimethylammoniumbromide (CTAB), in which the crystallization occurred as a result of molecular assembly and packing. Also, we adjusted the molar ratio of Alq3 and CTAB for the control degree of crystallization. The formation and structure of Alq3 MCs were investigated using field-emission scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction pattern experiments, respectively. The solid-state laser confocal microscope-photoluminescence spectra and charge-coupled device images for the Alq3 MCs were measured to study the luminescence efficiency and colors, respectively. The optical waveguide performance of the hexagonal Alq3 MCs was measured for each side direction. According to our results, crystalline Alq3 micro-crystals are promising materials for application to the development of optical communication devices.

Time-resolved luminescence detection of peroxynitrite using a reactivity-based lanthanide probe

Peroxynitrite (ONOO-) is a powerful and short-lived oxidant formed in vivo, which can react with most biomolecules directly. To fully understand the roles of ONOO- in cell biology, improved methods for the selective detection and real-time analysis of ONOO- are needed. We present a water-soluble, luminescent europium(iii) probe for the rapid and sensitive detection of peroxynitrite in human serum, living cells and biological matrices. We have utilised the long luminescence lifetime of the probe to measure ONOO- in a time-resolved manner, effectively avoiding the influence of autofluorescence in biological samples. To demonstrate the utility of the Eu(iii) probe, we monitored the production of ONOO- in different cell lines, following treatment with a cold atmospheric plasma device commonly used in the clinic for skin wound treatment.

8-Hydroxyquinoline complexes (Alq3) on Al(111): atomic scale structure, energetics and charge distribution

8-Hydroxyquinoline (8Hq) is known to efficiently inhibit the corrosion of aluminium by forming metal–organic layers (8Hq forms complexes with aluminium atoms).

Microwave-assisted, rapid synthesis of 2-vinylquinolines and evaluation of their antimalarial activity

A rapid and efficient synthesis of 2-vinylquinolines via trifluoromethanesulfonamidemediated olefination of 2-methylquinoline and aldehyde under microwave irradiation is reported. Biological evaluation of these scaffolds demonstrates that 2-vinylquinolines 3x - 3z possess excellent antimalarial activities against chloroquine-resistant Dd2 strain of Plasmodium falciparum (IC50 < 100 nM).

Recent developments in the construction of metallacycle/metallacage-cored supramolecular polymers via hierarchical self-assembly

Supramolecular polymers have received considerable attention during the last few decades due to their scientific value in polymer chemistry and profound implications for future developments of advanced materials. Discrete supramolecular coordination complexes (SCCs) with well-defined size, shape, and geometry have been widely employed to construct hierarchical systems by coordination-driven self-assembly with the spontaneous formation of metal-ligand bonds, which results in the formation of well-defined two-dimensional (2D) metallacycles or three-dimensional (3D) metallacages with high functionalities. The incorporation of discrete SCCs into supramolecular polymers by the orthogonal combination of metal-ligand coordination and other noncovalent interactions or covalent bonding could further facilitate the construction of novel supramolecular polymers with hierarchical architectures and multiple functions including controllable uptake and release of guest molecules, providing a flexible platform for the development of smart materials. In this review, the recent progress in metallacycle/metallacage-cored supramolecular polymers that were constructed by the combination of metal-ligand interactions and other orthogonal interactions (including hydrophobic or hydrophilic interactions, hydrogen bonding, van der Waals forces, π-π stacking, electrostatic interactions, host-guest interactions and covalent bonding) has been discussed. In addition, the potential applications of metallacycle/metallacage-cored supramolecular polymers in the areas of light emitting, sensing, bio-imaging, delivery and release, etc., are also presented.

Growth and Brilliant Photo-Emission of Crystalline Hexagonal Column of Alq₃ Microwires

We report the growth and nanoscale luminescence characteristics of 8-hydroxyquinolinato aluminum (Alq₃) with a crystalline hexagonal column morphology. Pristine Alq₃ nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared using a conventional reprecipitation method. Crystal hexagonal columns of Alq₃ were grown by using a surfactant-assisted self-assembly technique as an adjunct to the aforementioned reprecipitation method. The formation and structural properties of the crystalline and non-crystalline Alq₃ NPs were analyzed with scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The nanoscale photoluminescence (PL) characteristics and the luminescence color of the Alq₃ single NPs and their crystal microwires (MWs) were evaluated from color charge-coupled device images acquired using a high-resolution laser confocal microscope. In comparison with the Alq₃ NPs, the crystalline MWs exhibited a very bright and sharp emission. This enhanced and sharp emission from the crystalline Alq₃ single MWs originated from effective π-π stacking of the Alq₃ molecules due to strong interactions in the crystalline structure.

An AIEE fluorescent supramolecular cross-linked polymer network based on pillar[5]arene host–guest recognition: construction and application in explosive detection

A novel fluorescent supramolecular cross-linked polymer network with aggregation induced enhanced emission properties was constructed and further used for explosive detection.

Fluorescent Supramolecular Polymeric Materials

Fluorescent supramolecular polymeric materials are rising stars in the field of fluorescent materials not only because of the inherent optoelectronic properties originating from their chromophores, but also due to the fascinating stimuli-responsiveness and reversibility coming from their noncovalent connections. Especially, these noncovalent connections influence the fluorescence properties of the chromophores because their state of aggregation and energy transfer can be regulated by the assembly-disassembly process. Considering these unique properties, fluorescent supramolecular polymeric materials have facilitated the evolution of new materials useful for applications in fluorescent sensors, probes, as imaging agents in biological systems, light-emitting diodes, and organic electronic devices. In this Review, fluorescent supramolecular polymeric materials are classified depending on the types of main driving forces for supramolecular polymerization, including multiple hydrogen bonding, electrostatic interactions, π-π stacking interactions, metal-coordination, van der Waals interactions and host-guest interactions. Through the summary of the studies about fluorescent supramolecular polymeric materials, the status quo of this research field is assessed. Based on existing challenges, directions for the future development of this field are furnished.

Assembly of four 8-quinolinate-based multinuclear complexes: the effect of substituents on core structures and photoluminescence properties

Four multinuclear complexes with different core structures are synthesized. The core structures and photoluminescence properties of M(ii)–quinolinate complexes are controlled by the different substituent groups of ligands.

Understanding M-ligand bonding and mer-/fac-isomerism in tris(8-hydroxyquinolinate) metallic complexes

Tris(8-hydroxyquinolinate) metallic complexes, Mq3, are one of the most important classes of organic semiconductor materials. Herein, the nature of the chemical bond in Mq3 complexes and its implications on their molecular properties were investigated by a combined experimental and computational approach. Various Mq3 complexes, resulting from the alteration of the metal and substitution of the 8-hydroxyquinoline ligand in different positions, were prepared. The mer-/fac-isomerism in Mq3 was explored by FTIR and NMR spectroscopy, evidencing that, irrespective of the substituent, mer- and fac-are the most stable molecular configurations of Al(iii) and In(iii) complexes, respectively. The relative M-ligand bond dissociation energies were evaluated experimentally by electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS-MS), showing a non-monotonous variation along the group (Al > In > Ga). The results reveal a strong covalent character in M-ligand bonding, which allows for through-ligand electron delocalization, and explain the preferred molecular structures of Mq3 complexes as resulting from the interplay between bonding and steric factors. The mer-isomer reduces intraligand repulsions, being preferred for smaller metals, while the fac-isomer is favoured for larger metals where stronger covalent M-ligand bonds can be formed due to more extensive through-ligand conjugation mediated by metal "d" orbitals.

Origin of ultraweak fluorescence of 8-hydroxyquinoline in water: photoinduced ultrafast proton transfer

Ultrafast excited-state proton transfer of 8-hydroxuquinoline to produce short-lived its tautomeric form causes immensely attenuated fluorescence in water.

Excimer formation and dual fluorescence emission of a hydroxyquinoline based macrocyclic tripod: existence of intra and intermolecular π-stacking

The excited state reaction of 1,4,7-tris-(5-methylene-8-hydroxyquinoline)-1,4,7-triazacyclononane was studied in solution. The intramolecular-π-stacked tripod shows pH-dependent eximer emission and dual fluorescence due to intermolecular π-stacking.

Five 8-hydroxyquinolinate-based coordination polymers with tunable structures and photoluminescent properties for sensing nitroaromatics

Five coordination polymers with different structures have been prepared. The tunable structures and photoluminescent properties for sensing nitroaromatics in five polymers were observed.

Anomalous variation of electrical transport property and amorphization in dense Alq3

The experimental results indicate that the Al–oxine interaction can also be believed to be significant for the electrical transport properties of dense Alq₃.

Structural and luminescence modulation in 8-hydroxyquinolinate-based coordination polymers by varying the dicarboxylic acid

Using dicarboxylic acids as secondary auxiliary ligands, six coordination polymers are synthesized under solvothermal conditions. These polymers exhibited disparate fluorescence emission bands and lifetimes due to their different metal centers and supramolecular structures.

Six Zn(ii) and Cd(ii) coordination polymers assembled from a similar binuclear building unit: tunable structures and luminescence properties

Six coordination polymers with different structures have been prepared. The tunable structures and photoluminescence properties were observed due to their different metal centers and supramolecular structures.

Two-dimensional optical waveguiding and luminescence vapochromic properties of 8-hydroxyquinoline zinc (Znq2) hexagonal microsheets

Hexagonal single crystalline Znq₂ microsheets exhibit two-dimensional optical waveguiding and luminescence vapochromic properties.

Characterisation of different polymorphs of tris(8-hydroxyquinolinato)aluminium(III) using solid-state NMR and DFT calculations

Background

Organic light emitting devices (OLED) are becoming important and characterisation of them, in terms of structure, charge distribution, and intermolecular interactions, is important. Tris(8-hydroxyquinolinato)-aluminium(III), known as Alq₃, an organomettalic complex has become a reference material of great importance in OLED. It is important to elucidate the structural details of Alq₃ in its various isomeric and solvated forms. Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is a useful tool for this which can also complement the information obtained with X-ray diffraction studies.

Results

We report here ²⁷Al one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) multiple-quantum magic-angle spinning (MQMAS) NMR studies of the meridional (α-phase) and the facial (δ-phase) isomeric forms of Alq₃. Quadrupolar parameters are estimated from the 1D spectra under MAS and anisotropic slices of the 2D spectra and also calculated using DFT (density functional theory) quantum-chemical calculations. We have also studied solvated phase of Alq₃ containing ethanol in its lattice. We show that both the XRD patterns and the quadrupolar parameters of the solvated phase are different from both the α-phase and the δ-phase, although the fluorescence emission shows no substantial difference between the α-phase and the solvated phase. Moreover, we have shown that after the removal of ethanol from the matrix the solvated Alq₃ has similar XRD patterns and quadrupolar parameters to that of the α-phase.

Conclusion

The 2D MQMAS experiments have shown that all the different modifications of Alq₃ have ²⁷Al in single unique crystallographic site. The quadrupolar parameters predicted using the DFT calculation under the isodensity polarisable continuum model resemble closely the experimentally obtained values. The solvated phase of Alq₃ containing ethanol has structural difference from the α-phase of Alq₃ (containing meridional isomer) from the solid-state NMR studies. Solid-state NMR can hence be used as an effective complementary tool to XRD for characterisation and structural elucidation.