Aromatic thioethers have been found to be a versatile and easily accessible platform for the generation of luminescent compounds. First reports from Ceroni et al. showed that quantum yields close to unity with remarkably long lifetimes were achievable. In 2017 we discovered that modification of the central core motif with electron withdrawing groups (e.g. -CN) leads to a bathochromic shift. Based on this concept numerous examples have been published. More than that, we were able to show applications in molecular recognition of oligoamines and cyclodextrins, binding to proteins and cells as well as applications in materials science and additive manufacturing. In addition, photo-responsive behavior of these luminophores leads to phosphors with ultralong emission afterglow able to be used for the generation of adaptable materials.
