Synthesis, luminescence, and excited-state absorption properties of disubstituted perylene diimide derivatives modified at bay region

Three A–π–A or D–π–D perylene diimide (PDI) derivatives with varied groups on π-conjugate were synthesized and characterized. The photophysical properties of these compounds were systematically studied by spectral experiments and density functional theory calculations. All compounds displayed intense absorption bands at 300–800 nm wavelengths. However, diverse groups on the π-conjugate influenced the UV–vis absorption. Electron-withdrawing groups on PDI-2 caused a slight red shift at the 350–400 nm wavelength and a blue shift after 400 nm wavelength. At the same time, the electron-donating substituents on PDI-3 caused an obvious red shift of this band. These PDI derivatives exhibited emission in solution at room temperature (λ_em = 500–850 nm). The quantum yield of PDI-3 decreased, while the electron-donating substituents were introduced to the π-conjugated motifs. However, the quantum yield of PDI-2 increased when electron-withdrawing substituents were introduced to the π-conjugated motifs. In addition, PDI-1 and PDI-2 exhibited broad triplet transient absorption in the visible region. These photophysical properties could help us to understand the relationship between structure and photophysical properties of perylene diimide derivatives and exploit more original perylene diimide-based optical functional materials.