Synthesis of Siloles (and Germoles) that Exhibit the AIE Effect

Restricted molecular rotation of AIE-active luminogens reduced the possibility of non-radiative decay pathways, leading to the enhanced emission in the solution aggregates and in the solid films. Strategies used to impose restricted molecular rotation are beneficial for the emission enhancement of AIE-active luminogens. Strategies including (1) introduction of a bulky substituent by chemical links, (2) introduction of a bulky group by complexation, (3) hindered molecular rotations by hydrogen-bonding interaction, and (4) hindered molecular rotation by metal chelation and characterizations to evaluate restricted molecular rotation are therefore illustrated and discussed in this chapter.