Perylene, a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), is characterized by its inherent rigidity, which imparts exceptional electronic and optical properties. This structural feature supports high fluorescence quantum yields, which are influenced by the nature of the substituents attached. Notably, substituents positioned in the bay or peri regions of the molecule significantly alter these properties, enabling fine-tuning of light emission across a broad spectrum of colors.
Our work focuses on synthetic methodologies that incorporate principles of green chemistry, particularly the use of less hazardous chemicals, in alignment with the third principle of green chemistry. A key aspect of this approach is avoiding the use of transition metals in these reactions, as many transition metals are toxic to varying degrees, and removing trace amounts of metal residues from products can be both costly and challenging. Another key feature of this methodology is the use of low reaction temperatures (40°C, generated by the lamp), which contrasts with the typically high temperatures required for substitution reactions (e.g., reflux conditions). This aligns with the sixth principle of green chemistry, emphasizing energy efficiency. Additionally, we highlight the use of light as a sustainable energy source to initiate these reactions, further enhancing the environmental compatibility of the synthetic process.