A series of squaraine dyes, based on 2,4-bis[4-(N,N-di-n-alkylamino)-2-hydroxyphenyl] squaraine including ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl and heptyl derivatives, were synthesized by condensation of the corresponding 4-(N,N-di-n-alkylamino)-2-hydroxyphenol with squaric acid. The thermal behavior of the series was recorded using both thermogravemetic analysis and differential scanning calorimetry while their crystalline structures were elucidated via single crystal X-ray diffraction. The length of the alkyl chain proved to have a significant effect on both the thermotropic behavior and the crystalline structure of the squaraine series. Two derivatives, butyl and heptyl, revealed the presence of liquid crystalline mesophases, smectic and nematic, respectively, that were confirmed and characterized via polarized light microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Several of the derivatives formed H- and/or J-aggregates upon thin film formation via spin coating before and after the thermal annealing treatment, as indicated by UV-vis spectroscopy. The molecular and crystal structure, aggregation, and thermal behavior provide insight into the supramolecular assembly of this important class of materials. Photophysical measurements revealed large molar absorptivity, reasonably high fluorescence quantum yields, and significant fluorescence anisotropy, making these derivatives suitable candidates for a number of electro-optic and photonics applications.

Supramolecular assembly, thermotropic behavior, and photophysical properties of a series of squaraines

245th National Meeting (2013)

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