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Three novel chalcone based asymmetrical D–A–D′–A'chromophores (C1 – C3) have been designed and synthesized with intent to achieve dual state emission. It has been contemplated that introducing both flexible and rigid moieties to the D–A core will suffice for the emission in solution as well as solid state. In this regard flexible piperazine unit has been introduced along with rigid polyaromatic hydrocarbons anthracene, C1 ; pyrene, C2 and phenothiazine, C3 to afford an asymmetric D–A construct. The compounds have been thoroughly characterized by spectroscopic studies (1H, 13C, ESI–MS, UV/Vis and fluorescence). The compounds C1–C3 display varying degree of dual state emission as envisaged by photo-physical investigation in solution, aggregated and solid state along with quantum yield assessment. Notably the aggregation has been instigated in these compounds by taking advantage of relative hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity of different solvent systems. The revered intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) imparts substantial solvatochromism to these D−A constructs. The prudence of incorporation of heteroatomic phenothiazine unit to the designed chromophores is reflected in superior dual state emission and solvatochromism of C3. In addition, these compounds revealed remarkable acid–induced fluorescence quenching effect in solution and solid state as the emission of C1–C3 could be quenched by trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) significantly. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meticulous attention to details of intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) has proved to be an effective strategy to design donor-acceptor fluorophores equipped with multichromic behaviour. Herein, we report three asymmetric donor-acceptor fluorophores bearing A′−D−A−D−A′ and D′−D−A−D−D′ scaffolds. The D−A−D core has been modified by appending pyridine/pyrimidine as additional acceptor and phenyl as additional donor and piperazine as flexible spacers. The asymmetric scaffold has equipped them with naked-eye solvatochromism even under daylight which further authenticated the effective charge separation in ground as well as excited state. The comparative account of photophysical behaviour displays the varying extent of twisted intramolecular charge transfer (TICT) owing to asymmetry. The interplay of restricted intramolecular rotation (RIR) and TICT leads to AIE induced H+ sensing and reversible acidochromism in PC1 which can be visualized by a comparatively uncommon acid induced emission enhancement. The activation of vibrational bands at higher temperature leads to a rare temperature induced emission enhancement in PC1−PC3. PC1 has been developed as the very first 'turn-on' thermochromic sensor based on β-diketone-boron difluoride (BF 2 bdk) complexes. [Display omitted] • The present work describes the synthesis of β-diketone-boron difluoride (BF 2 bdk) based asymmetric donor-acceptor complexes. • These asymmetric D-A molecules show competitive charge transfer pathways depending upon the type of modification. • The most significant outcome can be visualized in form of visible solvatochromism. • These further display AIE induced H+ sensing and reversible acidochromism. • The activation of vibrational bands at higher temperature leads a rare temperature induced emission enhancement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]