Geminal Cross Coupling (GCC) Reaction for AIE Materials

Tetraphenylethylene (TPE) derivatives are typical aggregation-induced emission (AIE) molecules, which have been widely investigated and applicated. The Rathore’s procedures and McMurry reaction are the two frequently used methods for synthesizing the TPE derivatives. The complex processes and low tolerance of active function groups make the TPE with limited structures and properties in some degree. Very recently, a novel strategy, named geminal cross coupling (GCC) reaction, is developed for designing and synthesizing various topological small molecules and polymers with rich optical properties beyond simple TPE compounds, and becomes a powerful synthesis method to AIE materials. This review overviews the current progresses of AIE molecules and polymers prepared by GCC as well as their applications. We believe that GCC reaction will have a bright future in the development of the next generation of tetraarylethylene (TAE)-kind AIE materials.