Tetraphenylethene functionalized quinoxaline derivative exhibiting aggregation-induced emission and multi-stimuli responsive fluorescent switching

A new tetraphenylethene functionalized quinoxaline derivative TPVSQ has been synthesized using classical Knoevenagel condensation reaction. Spectral study and quantum chemical calculation indicated that it possessed D-π-A molecular structure. TPVSQ exhibited typical ICT (intramolecular charge transfer) transition and AIE property. Interestingly, TPVSQ also showed multi-stimuli responsive behavior. The emission spectra of TPVSQ could be switched in response to not only mechanical grinding and solvent fuming but also the protonation effect. The responsive mechanism has been studied and explained. The current work provided a strategy for the molecular design of new multi-stimuli responsive materials.