Novel D-π-A-π-D structural 2, 2′-bipyridine derivatives with different electron donors: Structure, one- and two-photon excited fluorescence and bioimaging

Abstract Two novel D-π-A-π-D structural 2,2 ′ -bipyridine derivatives based on different electron donors, namely aza-crown ether and triphenylamine groups were synthesized and characterized. One of which was characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction determination. Their linear photophysical properties were systematically investigated in various solvents. The two-photon excited fluorescence were investigated. The two dyes both exhibited excellent one- and two-photon excited fluorescence as well as high quantum yield and large two-photon absorption cross-section ( δ ). Fluorescence microscopy imaging of them in NIH/3T3 cell line was studied. The result indicated that both of them exhibit excellent biological compatibility.