Abstract
Three deep-blue fluorescent 9,10-bis(4-tert-butylphenyl)phenanthrenes with diphenyl, -naphthyl, and -pyrenyl moieties at C3 and C6 positions were synthesized and used as the host for doped blue fluorescent devices; one of these devices reveals excellent external quantum efficiency of 7.7% and current efficiency of 9.8 cd A -1 with low efficiency roll-off, deep-blue color coordinates (0.14, 0.14) and long operational lifetime. © 2011 The Royal Society of Chemistry.