Electrochemical properties of new n-type π-conjugated polybipyridines and polybiphenylenes with various bridging units

New electrochemically active π-conjugated polymers were prepared. They had polybipyridine or polybiphenylene type structure with an –NN–, –O–, or –NHCONH– bridging group between the two aromatic units, and underwent more facile electrochemical reduction (or n-type doping) than the mother π-conjugated polymers without the bridging group.     

Synthesis,characterisation and photoswitchability of a new [2]rotaxane of α-cyclodextrin with a diazobenzene containing π-conjugated molecular dumbbell

In this work, a new [2]rotaxane consisted of a diazobenzene containing π-conjugated linear compartment, including the 4,4′-bipyridyl moiety and α-cyclodextrin (α-CD) as the macrocyclic compartment, was synthesised with yields of nearly 57% and fully characterised. α-CD easily assembled with the linear compartment and suitable bulky ends (stoppers) in water to give a new [2]rotaxane. The characterisation of this supramolecular compound was accomplished using several spectroscopic techniques such as ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR and 2D NMR spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, induced circular dichroism and UV–vis spectrophotometry, as well as scanning electron microscopy and Energy Dispersive X-ray. Furthermore, the reversible E–Z photoisomerisation of both [2]rotaxane and its molecular dumbbell was investigated by irradiation with UV light.     

Synthesis, structure, and properties of extended π-conjugated systems bearing sterically crowded triarylphosphines

The sterically crowded triarylphosphines bearing formyl and benzoyl groups were synthesized and characterized by X-ray crystallography. The benzoyl derivative was converted to the p-quinomethane conjugated with the triarylphosphine. The McMurry coupling of the formyl derivative afforded the diarylethene bearing the two sterically-crowded-triarylphosphine moieties. The cyclic voltammograms of these compounds show reversible redox waves corresponding to the oxidation to the radical cations of the triarylphosphines and irreversible or quasi-reversible waves corresponding to the reduction of the acceptor moieties. The electronic and the fluorescence spectra of these π-conjugated systems, especially push-pull substituted derivatives, exhibit bathochromic shift typical of the extended π-conjugated systems especially in the polar solvent, and the large Stokes shift typical of the crowded triarylphosphines is enhanced by conjugation with the acceptor moiety.     

Synthesis and optical properties of π-conjugated polymers and oligomers bearing hexaphenylbenzene and tetraphenyl ethene units

π-Conjugated polymers (CPs) and oligomers (COs) bearing hexaphenylbenzene (HPB) and tetraphenyl ethene (TPE) units were synthesized by Sonogashira and Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reactions. The optical properties of the CPs and COs were investigated by UV–vis, photoluminescence (PL), and fluorescence lifetime (τ) measurements. The PL intensities of the solutions of the CPs and COs synthesized by Sonogashira coupling were reduced upon addition of poor solvent like water, which is attributed to aggregation-caused quenching. In contrast, the CP and COs bearing the TPE unit synthesized by Suzuki–Miyaura coupling exhibited aggregation-induced emission enhancement in solution. This difference in fluorescence behavior is discussed herein in terms of the molecular sizes, conformations in solution, and τ values of the CPs and COs.     

Synthesis and anticancer activity of new azo compounds containing extended π-conjugated systems

A series of novel azo compounds with extended π-conjugated systems were prepared by azo coupling reaction compounds trans-2-(4′-aminostyryl)-thiophene, 1-(4-aminophenyl)-4-phenyl-1,3-butadiene and 4-amino-4′-methoxystilbene with some phenols. The compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxicity against breast cancer adenocarcinoma (MCF-7), cervix adenocarcinoma (HeLa) and human embryonic kidney (HEK 293) cell lines using the MTT assay. The results showed all derivatives had more toxic effects than tamoxifen. Of all the compounds tested, the azo product obtained from coupling trans-2-(4′-Aminostyryl)-thiophene with 2-naphthol (compound 5b) exhibited the potent in vitro antiproliferative activity with IC₅₀ 27 ± 1 and 18 ± 0 µg/mL against MCF-7 and HeLa cell lines, respectively, while it was devoid of any cytotoxicity against normal HEK 293 cells even at 200 µg/mL.     

Synthesis of extended, π-conjugated isoindolin-1-ones

The synthesis and characterization of extended, conjugated molecules containing isoindolinone units was explored. Nucleophilic cyclizations between an amide and an alkyne were found to be an efficient method of producing the desired isoindolin-1-ones in high yields. A variety of derivatives were synthesized, demonstrating that a number of structural alterations could be made while maintaining good regio- and stereospecificity in the cyclized product.     

Synthesis of π-conjugated, pyridine ring functionalized bis-terpyridines with efficient green, blue, and purple emission

A large variety of rigid, π-conjugated, pyridine ring functionalized bis-terpyridines are synthesized efficiently using tandem Miyaura/Suzuki-type cross-coupling reaction. Photophysical property study reveals that the absorption and luminescent properties of the obtained bis-terpyridines are profoundly affected by the nature of the functional groups at the peripheral pyridine and the spacers. Namely, by tailoring precisely the structures, the light-emitting efficiencies of bis-terpyridines can be enhanced significantly with quantum yields (Φ_f) of up to 0.62, and the emission colors can be tuned to display distinct colors including purple, bright blue, and bright green. Consequently, the novel bis-terpyridines are attractive ligands for the assembly of new metallo-supramolecule based functional materials.     

Synthesis, structure, and physical properties of a partial π-stacked phenalenyl-based neutral radical molecular conductor

We report the synthesis, crystallization, and solid-state characterization of the 3,7-ethoxy-substituted spirobiphenalenyl-boron neutral radical 22. The radical is distinguished by its low disproportionation energy and one-dimensional structure. We show that our strategy of substitution of OEt group at the active positions of the phenalenyl units changes the crystal packing from its previously known OMe analogue and the solid-state properties are dictated by the partial π-stack structure and the oxygen atoms at the 3,7-positions and can be best rationalized in terms of the resonating valence bond model. Magnetic susceptibility measurements show that in the solid state the radical remains paramagnetic but there is significant spin-spin interaction between the molecules. Band structure calculations reflect efficient overlap between the molecules along the π stack and show evidence of interactions between the spin-bearing oxygen atoms. The room temperature electrical conductivity (σ(RT)=2.0×10(-2) S cm(-1)) of 22 is higher than that observed in previously known one-dimensional phenalenyl radicals.     

Synthesis and properties of new π-conjugated pyridine ligands with tetrathiafulvalene derivatives and the rhenium(I) tricarbonyl complexes

Three new π-conjugated pyridine ligands with redox-active tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) derivatives, L₁-L₃, have been synthesized and characterized. The Diels-Alder reaction is the key step for this multistep synthetic strategy. The crystal structures of L₁ and L₃ have been studied. The electrochemical and spectroscopic properties of these new ligands, as well as the corresponding tricarbonyl rhenium(I) complexes (ReL₁(CO)₃X, X = Cl, 5; X = Br, 6) have also been investigated.     

Correlation of π-conjugated oligomer structure with film morphology and organic solar cell performance

The novel methyl-substituted dicyanovinyl-capped quinquethiophenes 1-3 led to highly efficient organic solar cells with power conversion efficiencies of 4.8-6.9%. X-ray analysis of single crystals and evaporated neat and blend films gave insights into the packing and morphological behavior of the novel compounds that rationalized their improved photovoltaic performance.     

Topography of scalar fields: molecular clusters and π-conjugated systems

The pioneering works due to Bader and co-workers have generated widespread interest in the study of the topography of molecular scalar fields, the first step of which is the identification and characterization of the corresponding critical points (CPs). The topography of a molecular system becomes successively richer in going from the bare nuclear potential (BNP) to the molecular electrostatic potential (MESP) through the molecular electron density (MED). The present work clearly demonstrates, through the study of some π-conjugated test molecules as well as molecular clusters, that the CPs could be economically located by following this path within ab initio level theory. Further, the topography mapping of large molecules, especially at a higher level of theory, is known to be a demanding task. However, it is rendered possible by following the above sequential mapping assisted by a divide-and-conquer-type method termed as the molecular tailoring approach (MTA). This is demonstrated with the topography mapping of β-carotene and benzene nonamer at MP2 and a (H(2)O)(32) cluster at the HF level of theory, which are rather challenging problems with contemporary off-the-shelf computer hardware.     

Synthesis and physical properties of π-conjugated metallacycle polymers of cobalt and ruthenium

Recent studies on two types of π-conjugated metallacylce polymers are reviewed. Reaction of CpCo(PPh₃)₂ with conjugated diacetylenes afford poly(arylene cobaltacyclopentadienylene) and that of CpRuBr(cod) does poly(arylene ruthenacyclopentrienylene)s in ambient conditions. Regioselectivity of the former metallacycling reacion is not perfect (at most 80% of the 2,5-diaryl selectivity) but that of the latter is satisfactory (∼100% of the 2,5-diaryl selectivity) for the formation of π-conjugated structure. Electrochemical oxidation of the cobaltacyclopentadiene polymer and reduction of the ruthenacycle polymer occur facilely and quasi-reversibly by the contribution of metal d-orbitals. Physical properties in undoped (neutral) and doped (charged) sates show the behavior of electronic band structure derived from the organic π-conjugated main chain strongly coupled with the metal d-orbitals. This affords, for example, photoconductivity in the neutral form of the cobaltacylopentadiene polymer and ferromagnetic interaction in the reduced form of the ruthenacyclopentatriene polymer.     

Synthesis,structure, photophysical,and electrochemical properties of donor–acceptor ferrocenyl derivatives

A series of donor–acceptor compounds 2–6 have been synthesized, via Knoevenagel condensation reaction (using conventional method, as well as microwave method). The ferrocene unit acts as a donor, conjugated phenyl–acetylene linker act as a π-electron relay unit, and malononitrile, cyanoacetic acid, and indanone groups act as acceptor. The electronic absorption spectra displayed a broad intramolecular charge transfer (CT) band in the visible region (450–650 nm). The electrochemical studies suggest considerable donor–acceptor interaction. The single crystal X-ray structure of 2, and 3 are reported, the structure reveals that 2 is nearly planar compared to 3. The supramolecular structure of 2 exhibits intramolecular C–H–π, and C–H–N interaction, which leads to formation of 2D network, whereas compound 3 shows head to tail dimer formation through C–H–π, and π–π interaction.     

Biradical character of linear π-conjugated oligomer dications composed of thiophene, pyrrole, and methylthio end-capping units

Combined DFT calculations and UV-vis-NIR, ESR, and SQUID measurements revealed that the ground-state electronic structure of a linear π-conjugated oligomer dication composed of two pyrrole and six or seven thiophene rings and methylthio end-capping units is dominated by a singlet biradical character.     

New π-conjugated cyanostilbene derivatives:Synthesis,characterization and aggregation-induced emission

Two novel π-conjugated cyanostilbene derivatives,FLU-CNPH and TPE-CNPH,were designed and synthesized by introducing the strong electron donor 1,4-dihydropyrro[3,2-b]indole and AIE electron donor tetraphenylethylene(TPE)to the(3',5'-bis(trifluoromethyl)-biphenyl-4-yl)-acetonitrile,respectively.Both of them were fully characterized and their AIE behaviors were investigated using fluorescence spectroscopy and FE-SEM images.Their optimized structures and frontier molecular orbitals were calculated with the DFT by using Materials Studio 7.0 software to study the relationship between the structure and properties.     

Synthesis and photophysical properties of aryl-substituted 2-borylbenzaldimines and their extended π-conjugated congeners

Novel N-aryl-substituted 2-borylbenzaldimines 6 and related systems with extended π-framework 7 based on two borylbenzaldimine units linked by a spacer moiety were synthesized by condensation reactions of 2-(dimesitylboryl)benzaldehyde 3 with various amines 4 and diamines 5. All compounds were completely characterized including X-ray diffraction, especially in view of Lewis acid-base B-O and B-N interactions. The electronic as well as the photophysical properties of bisimines 7 were determined using cyclic voltammetry, UV/vis, and fluorescence spectroscopy and quantum chemistry. These compounds feature large Stokes shifts and reversible reduction waves. Interestingly, UV irradiation experiments unfold enhanced photostability for compounds 7 with an extended π-skeleton. By use of 1,8-diaminonaphthalene we observed the formation of a hitherto unknown BN-heterocyclic compound 9 fused with a perimidine skeleton. Structural and energetic aspects were evaluated by high level quantum chemical methods (DFT and SCS-MP2-calculations).     

Synthesis and characterization of porphyrin-terthiophene and oligothiophene π-conjugated copolymers for polymer solar cells

Two novel conjugated polymers with alternating main chain structures of zinc porphyrin-terthiophene (P-PTT) and zinc porphyrin-oligothiophene (P-POT) were synthesized by Stille reaction. The effect of different lengths of thiophene chains on the thermal, optical, electrochemical, and photovoltaic properties of the two copolymers were investigated in detail. P-PTT exhibited higher onset decomposition temperature (392 °C) and glass-transition temperature (152 °C) than those of P-POT. The introduction of thiophene units in the meso-aryl positions of porphyrin resulted in the red shift and broader absorption spectrum compared with zinc porphyrin (P_Zn) monomer both in chloroform solutions and on thin solid films. The electrochemical properties indicated that the energy levels of the polymers were suitable for efficient charge transfer and separation at the interface between the polymer donor and PCBM acceptor. The bulk heterojunction solar cells based on P-PTT and P-POT showed power conversion efficiencies up to 0.32% and 0.18%, respectively.     

Synthesis and characterization of new metal-free and metallophthalocyanines fused α-methylferrocenylmethoxy units

Synthesis of metal-free and metallophthalocyanines bearing α-methylferrocenylmethoxy units was described. Precursor 3 required for the preparation of phthalocyanines 4–9, was synthsized by the nucleophilic aromatic substitution reaction between α-methylferrocenylmethanol and 4-nitrophthalonitrile in dry DMF. The metal-free phthalocyanine 4 was prepared from 4-(α-methylferrocenylmethoxy)phthalonitrile 3 in 1-pentanol with a catalytic amount of 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU). Metallophthalocyanines (M = Zn, Cu, Co, Ni and Pb) were prepared by cyclotetramerization reaction of phthalonitrile with appropriate materials. The phthalonitrile, metal-free and metallophthalocyanines were characterized by ¹H and ¹³C NMR, FT-IR UV–Vis and mass spectral data, as well as elemental analyses, which were consistent with the proposed structures.