Design of Dimeric Dinuclear Boron Complexes with Flexible Linkers: Aggregation-induced White-light Emission via Molecular Engineering

The aggregation state of two new covalently bonded dinuclear boron-based dye complexes was controlled to fabricate white-light-emitting materials. The materials exhibit blue and orange emission, with a photoluminescence quantum yield of 16% for one of the complexes in the solid state. This study highlights the importance of molecular engineering through the control of dye aggregation as a fundamental technology for creating novel functional materials with interesting optical properties. The synthesis of novel dyes consisting of a Schiff base and four BF2 units by a one-pot reaction is reported. The dye exhibits white luminescence derived from two colors, blue and orange, in powder and aggregate states. This indicates the importance of molecular engineering in the design of novel photofunctional materials.