Recent progress of optical functional nanomaterials based on organoboron complexes with β-diketonate, ketoiminate and diiminate

The synthesis and application of organoboron complexes are a highly relevant topic owng to their unique characteristics. Based on their emissive properties, these complexes have been used to make novel optical materials and devices; boron β-diketonate is a simple and robust organoboron complex. From a series of recent studies, unique and versatile optical properties have been reported. In this review, we introduce the results of primarily recent studies on boron diketonate and related compounds containing polymers and particularly explain their optical properties. Initially, the multi-emission of boron diketonate derivatives and its application to biotechnology are explained. Next, the formation of nanostructures and its emission properties are demonstrated. The modulation of optical properties by mechanical stress is also presented. Finally, recent progress in the development of solid-emissive materials are shown with boron diketonates and their derivatives, which have aggregation-induced emission properties. The versatility of boron diketonates as a building block for the preparation of functional optical materials is the focus of this review. Recent studies have revealed that boron diketonate and related compounds make versatile building blocks for functional optical materials. In particular, their ease of synthesis and emissive properties make them suitable for various optical materials and devices. Kazuo Tanaka and Yoshiki Chujo of Kyoto University in Japan provide an overview of recent progress in this area. They explain the dual emission of derivatives of boron diketonate and its application in biotechnology. The synthesis and emission properties of nanostructures are described, as are the modulation of optical properties by the application of mechanical stress. In addition, recent advances in the development of solid-emissive materials are illustrated by considering the aggregation-induced emission properties of boron diketonates and their derivatives. Tanaka and Chujo anticipate that these materials will spawn many new optical functional materials in the future. The synthesis and application of organoboron complexes are a topic with high relevance owing to their unique characteristics. This manuscript introduces the results primarily from recent studies of boron diketonates, ketoiminates and diiminates containing polymers and particularly focuses on their optical properties.