Tuning the solid-state emission of liquid crystalline nitro-cyanostilbene by halogen bonding

The first example of halogen-bonded fluorescent liquid crystals based on the interaction of iodofluorobenzene derivatives with nitro-cyanostilbenes is reported. The systematic variation of the fluorination degree and pattern indicates the relevance of the halogen bond strength for the induction of liquid crystalline properties. The modular self-assembly approach enables the efficient tuning of the fluorescence behaviour and mesomorphic properties of the assemblies.

Photo-switchable Fluorescence in Hydrogen-Bonded Liquid Crystals

A series of hydrogen-bonded liquid crystals showing switchable fluorescence is reported. The fluorescence behavior results from the unique combination of hydrogen bonding, liquid crystallinity, and photobasicity. Thus, the molecular mobility in the mesophase is essential for the reversible photo-initiated proton transfer switching on the fluorescence of the assemblies. The application potential of the materials for photo-patterning was demonstrated.