Preparation and Photoluminescent Properties of Hydrogen-bonded Discotic Liquid Crystals

Photoluminescent discotic liquid crystals (DLCs) have been prepared through intermolecular hydrogen bonding between core and peripheral units. 1,3,5-Trihydroxybenzene was employed as core molecule and peripheral stilbazole derivatives containing linearly conjugated moieties were complexed to form hydrogen-bonded DLCs. Their structures, mesophases, and optical properties were investigated. The complexation of core and peripherals made some discotic complexes form photoluminescent DLCs. The prepared luminescent DLCs exhibited columnar mesophases with strong blue or sea green photoluminescence. These findings may contribute to the development of luminescent supramolecular liquid crystals for emitting materials in light emitting devices.