Bulky group functionalized porphyrin and its Zn (II) complex with high emission in aggregation

A novel porphyrin derivative 5,10,15,20-tetra-4′-(tert-butylthio)phenylporphyrin (abbreviated as TSPP) and its Zn (II) complex (Zn-TSPP) have been synthesized and characterized, which possess aggregation-induced emission enhancement (AIEE) properties. The bulky groups increase the intermolecular steric effects which impede the π–π stacking interactions inducing J-aggregates of the two compounds in the THF-H2O mixed solution. DFT calculation was used to understand the relationship of molecular structure and luminescence.