A novel AIE-active boron-difluoride complex (PTZ) was synthesized which exhibits multi-stimuli responsive characteristics. Its colours and emissions can be switched by mechanical grinding, organic solvent vapours and acid/base vapours. This complex can be utilized in data encryption and decryption based on the protonation–deprotonation effect.

A new organic dye (FD-9) derived from 1,8-naphthalimide is synthesized and shows significant aggregation induced emission (AIE) characteristics. The FD-9 dye presents excellent photostability and low toxicity, which can specifically track a cell membrane for 4 days.

Photo-oxygenation represents an appealing strategy for the effective production of high value-added carbonyls by directly manipulating the ubiquitous C–H bonds. Nevertheless, the conventional transition-metal complexes or organic photosensitizers employed in light-driven oxygenation are often deemed cost-ineffective, thus detracting from the potential application in industrial production. Herein, we report a Brønsted acid-promoted aerobic photo-oxygenation protocol for the expedient construction of aromatic acids and ketones. The direct elaboration of bulk alkyl arenes is highly desirable, whereas avoiding the use of transition metals or photosensitizers adds another merit for this strategy. Notably, the acidic ionic liquid [BSPy][OTf] turns out to be an appropriate choice considering the viewpoints of eco-friendliness and reaction efficiency. Furthermore, singlet oxygen (¹O₂) is demonstrated to be integral to the success of this transformation based on electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) studies and control experiments.