E,E-1,4-bis[2' , 2-(benzoxazolylethenyl)]benzene and thirteen of its substituted derivatives were synthesized. Their m. p. , ultraviolet-visible absorption spectra and fluorescence emission spectra, fluorescence quantum yields as well as laser properties were determined. Configurations of these compounds were identified by IR and 'H NMR. The relationship between optical property and structure was discussed.It was found that E,E-1, 4-bis[2' , 2-(benzoxazolylethenyl)]benzeneand its substituted derivatives pos...