Optical properties of guest host systems based on cellulose derivatives

Guest host systems composed of various types of esters of (2-hydroxypropyl) cellulose and the chromophore coumarin 334 were characterized with respect to the absorption and emission properties as a function of the concentrati on of the chromophore and the nature of the esters. The results were compar ed with the ones obtained for solutions of the chromophore with low molar m ass solvents. The cellulose derivatives are characterized by good film form ing capabilities, a high solubility for the chromophores, by significant so lvatochromic effects both in absorption and emission and by the formation o f excimers at elevated concentration of the chromophores. These features ma ke such cellulose derivatives interesting candidates as matrix materials fo r host-guest systems in areas such as organic light emitting devices pr sen sors. Their tendency to display a cholesteric super-structure is of particu lar interest.