Regulating the piezofluorochromism of 9,10-bis(butoxystyryl)anthracenes by isomerization of butyl groups

Isomers of 9,10-bis(butoxystyryl)anthracene (DSA4), including n-butyl, i-butyl and t-butyl at ortho or para positions, were designed and synthesized. All of them display an aggregation-induced emission phenomenon. Remarkably, it was found that isomerization of butyl endgroups presents significant influences on their piezofluorochromic properties. Thus, an alternative approach to design and obtain piezofluorochromic compounds is proposed here.