Synthesis and photophysical study of a conjugated–non-conjugated oligoazomethine

A soluble conjugated–non-conjugated oligoazomethyne, namely oligo[(oxyoctyleneoxy-(2,6-dimethoxy-1,4-phenylenemethylidinonitrile-6-phenyl-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-nitrilomethylidine)], was synthesized through the reaction of 1,8-bis(4-formyl-2,6-dimethoxyphenoxy)octane and 2,4-diamine-6-phenyl-1,3,5-triazine. Fluorescence and excitation spectra in solution and in the solid state brought evidence of strong inter-macromolecular interaction, giving raise to aggregated emitting species, formed in the ground state. Only spectra of diluted solutions were sensitive to protonation, showing an emission red-shifting of 26 nm and two new emissions at 405 and 430 nm.