A series of novel imidazole derivatives as optoelectronic materials were designed and synthesized. Photoluminescence (PL) properties of solution were investigated. The thermal analysis result indicated that these organic materials have better thermal stability with better PL properties. Due to the molecular structure introduced by imidazole heterocycles. The molecular structure not only changes the optoclectronic properties of the materials, but also enhances the thermal stability of the materials. The approach is helpful for the systematic investigation of structure-property relationship and thus for the design of novel and efficient organic optoelectronic materials. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.