Intramolecular through-space charge transfer between benzofuran and ynone groups on a naphthalene spacer.

We have developed a new scaffold that exhibits an efficient intramolecular through-space charge transfer (CT). In this design, electron-rich benzofuran and electron-deficient ynone groups are placed strategically in proximity a naphthalene spacer. Charge transfer is supported by distinct CT bands in the visible region (>500 nm) in their UV-vis absorption and emission spectra.