Aggregation-induced and stimuli-responsive emission modulation in pyridyl-imidazole compounds connected to naphthalene, anthracene and pyrene motifs for the design of sensors and switches

Key Points

• The aim is to develop pyridyl-imidazole compounds that exhibit unique emission properties for use in sensors and switches.
• Synthesis of pyridyl-imidazole compounds connected to naphthalene, anthracene, and pyrene.
• Evaluation of emission properties under various aggregation states and stimuli.
• Assessment of sensor and switch capabilities based on emission modulation.
• The compounds demonstrated significant aggregation-induced emission enhancement.
• Stimuli-responsive behavior was observed, altering emission based on external conditions.
• Potential application as molecular sensors and switches was established.