Synthesis, characterization, optical properties, and solvatochromism of highly fluorescent benzotriazolyl vinyl aniline based D-π-A fluorophores

Two solvatochromic benzotriazolyl vinyl aniline derivatives have been synthesized via the Krapcho decarboxylation with chemical yields of 43% and 47%. Single crystal X-ray diffraction confirmed that the (E)-isomer was preferentially obtained. Experimental and theoretical studies were performed for both compounds. Photophysical properties were evaluated: in solution fourteen solvents were used and quantum yields of 15.8–34.0% were reached, and in thin films, a bathochromic phenomenon was observed. DFT calculations were also performed to analyze the electronic properties and cyclic voltammetry helped to evaluate the behavior of both compounds in thin films. Furthermore, the compounds were employed in a concept test to study their application in OLED devices.