Synthesis, structure and properties of a novel quinoid compound

A novel quinoid compound α,α,α′,α′-tetra(4-tert-butylphenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole-quinodimethane (TPOQ) was synthesized through oxidative dehydrogenation in basic condition. The structure was characterized by elemental analysis, 1H NMR, and mass spectrum. UV–vis spectra, photoluminescence (PL) spectra, and electron spin resonance (ESR) measurements showed that the compound had a small bandgap and π–π* transition process produced an increase of polarity. Pure red emission at near 670 nm was observed from a single layer electroluminescence (EL) device, the emission color was unchanged with increase of applied voltage, which showed that TPOQ could be used as red emission material.