Synthesis of dual state emissive beta-carboline boron complexes

The synthesis of dual state emissive (DSE) dyes showing emission in both solution and the solid state has become an emerging field of materials development. Here, a new class of dual state emissive dyes based on beta-carboline boron complexes were synthesized. Synthetic protocols were developed for the easy syntheses of these dyes. The fluorescence properties were also tuned by changing the substitutions at the boron center as well as at the C-3 position of the beta-carboline moiety. X-ray crystallographic studies and theoretical calculations were performed to rationalize the photophysical properties of the dyes in both solution and the solid state. The easy syntheses, dual state emission and reversible electrochemical properties of these dyes will be useful for future materials development.