Tunable multi-color luminescence from a self-assembled cyanostilbene and cucurbit[7]uril in aqueous media.

Amphiphilic cyanostilbene 12CS12 underwent self-assembly in aqueous media and exhibited bright greenish-yellow emission in its aggregated state. Macrocyclic host cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) was found to encapsulate 12CS12 and the host-guest complex was an efficient bluish-cyan emitter. Variation of the 12CS12 and CB[7] ratio in their mixture generated multiple emission colors including near white light through the color mixing of these two emitting species.