A series of anthracene-based stilbene derivatives containing an 1,3,4-oxadiazole unit were efficiently synthesized by a four-pots reaction sequence. All of the target compounds were characterized using, FT-IR, H-1 NMR, C-13 NMR, mass spectrometry and elemental analysis. For the samples, the UV-visible absorption coefficient, maximum wavelength, fluorescence excitation wavelength, fluorescence emission wavelength and fluorescence quantum yield, were measured in dilute tetrahydrofuran solution. Cyclic voltammetry studies revealed that the molecules have low-lying LUMO and HOMO energy levels suggesting these compounds may possess good electron-transporting or hole-blocking properties. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.