Synthesis, characterization, and metal ion coordination of a multichromophoric highly luminescent polysulfurated pyrene

We have designed a new multichromophoric system based on a tetra(phenylthio)pyrene core appended with four terpyridine units. The system behaves as a molecular antenna that collects light with the peripheral units and funnels the energy to the very highly luminescent core. The addition of metals ions to the investigated system can not only switch the direction of the intramolecular energy transfer, but also control the formation of three-dimensional nanoscopic objects in a dual function.