Synthesis and Optoelectronic Applications of dπ–pπ Conjugated Polymers with a Di-metallaaromatic Acceptor

The development of conjugated polymers especially n-type polymer semiconductors is powered by the design and synthesis of electron-deficient building blocks. Herein, a strong acceptor building block with di-metallaaromatic structure was designed and synthesized by connecting two electron-deficient metallaaromatic units through a π-conjugated bridge. Then, a double-monomer polymerization methodology was developed for inserting it into conjugated polymer scaffolds to yield metallopolymers. The isolated well-defined model oligomers indicated polymer structures. Kinetic studies based on nuclear magnetic resonance and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopies shed light on the polymerization process. Interestingly, the resulted metallopolymers with d_π–p_π conjugations are very promising electron transport layer materials which can boost photovoltaic performance of an organic solar cell, with power conversion efficiency up to 18.28 % based on the PM6 : EH-HD-4F non-fullerene system. This work not only provides a facile route to construct metallaaromatic conjugated polymers with various functional groups, but also discovers their potential applications for the first time.     

From Monomers to π Stacks, from Nonconductive to Conductive: Syntheses, Characterization, and Crystal Structures of Benzidine Radical Cations

Salts that contain radical cations of benzidine (BZ), 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB), 2,2',6,6'-tetraisopropylbenzidine (TPB), and 4,4'-terphenyldiamine (DATP) have been isolated with weakly coordinating anions [Al(OR(F) )(4) ](-) (OR(F) =OC(CF(3) )(3) ) or SbF(6) (-) . They were prepared by reaction of the respective silver(I) salts with stoichiometric amounts of benzidine or its alkyl-substituted derivatives in CH(2) Cl(2) . The salts were characterized by UV absorption and EPR spectroscopy as well as by their single-crystal X-ray structures. Variable-temperature UV/Vis absorption spectra of BZ(.) (+) [Al(OR(F) )(4) ](-) and TMB(.) (+) [Al(OR(F) )(4) ](-) in acetonitrile indicate an equilibrium between monomeric free radical cations and a radical-cation dimer. In contrast, the absorption spectrum of TPB(.) (+) SbF(6) (-) in acetonitrile indicates that the oxidation of TPB only resulted in a monomeric radical cation. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies show that in the solid state BZ and its methylation derivative (TMB) form radical-cation π dimers upon oxidation, whereas that modified with isopropyl groups (TPB) becomes a monomeric free radical cation. By increasing the chain length, π stacks of π dimers are obtained for the radical cation of DATP. The single-crystal conductivity measurements show that monomerized or π-dimerized radicals (BZ(.) (+) , TMB(.) (+) , and TPB(.) (+) ) are nonconductive, whereas the π-stacked radical (DATP(.) (+) ) is conductive. A conduction mechanism between chains through π stacks is proposed.     

Friedel-Crafts Polymers. 8. Friedel-Crafts Polycondensation of β-Resorcylic Acid or Resorcinol with p-Xylylene Dichloride,p,p′-Dichloromethyldiphenyl Ether,and p,p′-Dichloroacetyldiphenyl Ether

Friedel-Crafts polycondensation of β-resorcylic acid (BRA) with p-xylylene dichloride (PXDC) or 4,4′-dichloromethyldiphenyl ether (DDE) in dioxane could be effected without simultaneous decarboxylation of BRA. The similar polycondensation of BRA with PXDC, DDE, or 4,4′-dichloroacetyldiphenyl ether (DADE) in nitrobenzene or in the absence of solvent at 150°C was associated with decarboxylation of BRA. Polymers having structures isomeric with those of the polycondensation product of BRA formed with subsequent in situ decarboxylation were prepared by Friedel-Crafts polycondensation of resorcinol with the above dichlorides. All the polymer samples were characterized, and those with related structures were compared. The ion-exchange properties of the polymer sample prepared from BRA and DDE in dioxane were studied.     

Reactive Compression Molding Post-Inverse Vulcanization: A Method to Assemble,Recycle, and Repurpose Sulfur Polymers and Composites

Inverse vulcanization provides dynamic and responsive materials made from elemental sulfur and unsaturated cross-linkers. These polymers have been used in a variety of applications such as energy storage, infrared optics, repairable materials, environmental remediation, and precision fertilizers. In spite of these advances, there is a need for methods to recycle and reprocess these polymers. In this study, polymers prepared by inverse vulcanization are shown to undergo reactive compression molding. In this process, the reactive interfaces of sulfur polymers are brought into contact by mechanical compression. Upon heating these molds at relatively low temperatures (≈100 °C), chemical bonding occurs at the polymer interfaces by S−S metathesis. This method of processing is distinct from previous studies on inverse vulcanization because the polymers examined in this study do not form a liquid phase when heated. Neither compression nor heating alone was sufficient to mold these polymers into new architectures, so this is a new concept in the manipulation of sulfur polymers. Additionally, high-level ab initio calculations revealed that the weakest S−S bond in organic polysulfides decreases linearly in strength from a sulfur rank of 2 to 4, but then remains constant at about 100 kJ mol⁻¹ for higher sulfur rank. This is critical information in engineering these polymers for S−S metathesis. Guided by this insight, polymer repair, recycling, and repurposing into new composites was demonstrated.     

An Electron-Deficient CpE Iridium(III) Catalyst: Synthesis,Characterization, and Application to Ether-Directed C−H Amidation

The synthesis, characterization, and catalytic performance of an iridium(III) catalyst with an electron-deficient cyclopentadienyl ligand ([Cp^EIrI₂]₂) are reported. The [Cp^EIrI₂]₂ catalyst was synthesized by complexation of a precursor of the Cp^E ligand with [Ir(cod)OAc]₂, followed by oxidation, desilylation, and removal of the COD ligand. The electron-deficient [Cp^EIrI₂]₂ catalyst enabled C−H amidation reactions assisted by a weakly coordinating ether directing group. Experimental mechanistic studies and DFT calculations suggested that the high catalytic performance of [Cp^EIrI₂]₂ is due to its electron-deficient nature, which accelerates both C−H activation and Ir^V-nitrenoid formation.     

Chemistry of Anthracene–Acetylene Oligomers XX: Synthesis,Structures, and Self-Association of Anthracene–Anthraquinone Cyclic Compounds with Ethynylene Linkers

We have synthesized anthracene–acetylene oligomers, which contained one 10-substituted anthracene unit and one anthraquinone unit, by cyclization with Sonogashira coupling. X-ray analysis revealed an almost-planar framework and significant out-of-plane deformation around the inner carbonyl moiety because of steric hindrance. These compounds underwent self-association in solution and their association constants for monomer–dimer exchange were determined by variable-concentration ¹H NMR measurements in CDCl₃: 8 mol⁻¹ L (10-substituent: isopropyl), <5 mol⁻¹ L (methoxy), and 19 mol⁻¹ L (octyloxy). These results were discussed on the basis of spectroscopic and molecular-orbital analysis. A linear molecular assembly of the octyloxy compound at a liquid/graphite interface was observed by STM measurements.     

Three Ni(Ⅱ) Coordination Polymers with Various Architectures Based on Asymmetric Bis-pyridyl-amide and Polycarboxylates: Syntheses,Structures and Properties

Three different dimensional Ni(Ⅱ) coordination polymers,[Ni(3-pna)(HIP)(H₂O)₃]·H₂O(1),[Ni(3-pna)· (1,3,5-HBTC)](2) and [Ni₂(H₂O)(3-pna)₂(1,4-CHDC)₂]₄(3)(3-pna=3-pyridylnicotinamide, H₂HIP=5-hydroxyisoph-thalic acid, 1,3,5-H₃BTC=1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid, 1,4-H₂CHDC=1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid), were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and characterized by means of infrared spectra(IR), thermal gravimetric (TG) analyses, powder X-ray diffraction(PXRD) and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Complex 1 has a structure of 1D single-stranded chain, which is further stretched by hydrogen-bond interactions to form a 2D supramolecular sheet. Complex 2 shows a 2D network, which is stretched to 3D supramolecular frameworks through hydrogen-bond interactions. Complex 3 reveals a 3D skeleton with a (3,3,6,6)-connected {3·7²}{3²·4}{3³·4²·5·7³·8⁵·9}{3³·4⁵·5²·7²·8²·9} topology. The effects of different polycarboxylates on the ultimate architectures of the complexes 1-3 were discussed. Furthermore, the fluorescent and photocatalytic properties of the title complexes were also investigated.     

Barrier Properties OF Inorganic-Organic Polymers: Influence of Starting Compounds,Curing Conditions and Storage-Scaling-Up to Industrial Application—

With a new kind of barrier coating material, namely inorganic-organic polymers, it is possible to obtain high-barrier properties for oxygen, water vapor, and flavor permeation. These hybrid polymers can be synthesized by the sol-gel technique. Network forming reactions and degrees of condensation in the coating sols as well as in the cured coating materials were characterized using ²⁹Si, ¹³C-NMR and FT-Raman spectroscopy. The oxygen barrier properties of the hybrid polymers were found to be strongly influenced by the inorganic and also by the organic network density. In order to scale-up the excellent laboratory results to pilot plant and production dimensions additional efforts were necessary. For optimization of the barrier coating compositions the influence of the starting compounds on the resulting barrier properties had to be investigated. A constant quality of the coating sols during the industrial processing had to be guaranteed so as to obtain reproducible barrier properties. The influence of storage conditions on chemical reactions in the coating sols, indicated by changes of viscosity, was investigated. Since the curing times of the laboratory system were not transferable to the high speed of the production roll coating process more effective curing methods had to be found. The influence of the storage time of the cured coating materials on the oxygen barrier properties was investigated. Even by storing at ambient temperature further improvement of the oxygen barrier properties was obtained. Only by optimizing all of the above mentioned parameters can the excellent barrier properties result in marketable products.     

Identification of Carboxylate,Phosphate, and Phenoxide Functionalities in Deprotonated Molecules Related to Drug Metabolites via Ion–Molecule Reactions with water and Diethylhydroxyborane

Tandem mass spectrometry based on ion–molecule reactions has emerged as a powerful tool for structural elucidation of ionized analytes. However, most currently used reagents were designed to react with protonated analytes, making them suboptimal for acidic analytes that are preferentially detected in negative ion mode. In this work we demonstrate that the phenoxide, carboxylate, and phosphate functionalities can be identified in deprotonated molecules by use of a combination of two reagents, diethylmethoxyborane (DEMB) and water. A novel reagent introduction setup that allowed DEMB and water to be separately introduced into the ion trap region of the mass spectrometer was developed to facilitate fundamental studies of this reaction. A new reagent, diethylhydroxyborane (DEHB), was generated inside the ion trap by hydrolysis of DEMB on introduction of water. Most carboxylates and phenoxides formed a DEHB adduct, followed by addition of one water molecule and subsequent ethane elimination (DEHB adduct +H₂O ? CH₃CH₃) as the major product ion. Phenoxides with a hydroxy group adjacent to the deprotonation site and phosphates formed a DEHB adduct, followed by ethane elimination (DEHB adduct ? CH₃CH₃). Deprotonated molecules with strong intramolecular hydrogen bonds or without the aforementioned functionalities, including sulfates, were unreactive toward DEHB/H₂O. Reaction mechanisms were explored via isotope labeling experiments and quantum chemical calculations. The mass spectrometry method allowed the differentiation of phenoxide-, carboxylate-, phosphate-, and sulfate-containing analytes. Finally, it was successfully coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography for the analysis of a mixture containing hymecromone, a biliary spasm drug, and its three possible metabolites.

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From Icosahedral Boron Subhalides to Octahedral Metalloid Aluminum and Gallium Analogues: Quo vadis,Wade′s Rules?

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.     

Facile Surfactant-, Reductant-, and Ag Salt-free Growth of Ag Nanoparticles with Controllable Size from 35 to 660 nm on Bulk Ag Materials

Morphologically and dimensionally controlled growth of Ag nanocrystals has long been plagued by surfactants or capping agents that complicate downstream applications, unstable Ag salts that impaired the reproducibility, and multistep seed injection that is troublesome and time-consuming. Here, we report a one-pot electro-chemical method to fast (∼2 min) produce Ag nanoparticles from commercial bulk Ag materials in a nitric acid solution, eliminating any need for surfactants or capping agents. Their size can be easily manipulated in an unprecedentedly wide range from 35 to 660 nm. Furthermore, the Ag nanoparticles are directly grown on the Ag substrate, highly desirable for promising applications such as catalysis and plasmonics. The mechanistic studies reveal that the concentration of Ag⁺ in the diffusion layer nearby the surface, controlled by the magnitude and duration of voltage, is critical in governing the nanoparticle formation (<1.3 mM) and its dimensional adjustability.     

Evaluation and Interpretation of Ptitsyn-Eizner Parameter λ in Dilute Solutions of Poly[2-methoxy-4,6-di(p,p′-isopropylidene Diphenyloxy)-s-triazine] and Other Polymers with Aromatic Backbone

Dilute solution data on poly[2-methoxy-4,6-di-(p,p′-isopropyl-idene diphenyloxy)-s-triazine] have been analyzed by the Ptitsyn-Eizner theory. The rigidity parameter λ has been estimated. λ varies with the nature of the solvent. The temperature dependence of λ has also been investigated. The parameter λ has been compared with other polymers containing “long bonds.”     

Two Preparation Methods-dominated Cd~(Ⅱ)-Based Coordination Polymers with Mixed Adenine Nucleobase and 5-Nitroisophathalate Ligands: Synthesis,Structure and Fluorescence

Two new CdⅡ-based coordination polymers(CPs) with mixed adenine(Hade) nucleobase and 5-nitroisophathalate(nip) ligands, {[Cd(Hade)_(0.5)(H_2O)_2(nip)]·H_2O}n 1 and {[Cd(Hade)(H_2O)_(1.25)(CH_3OH)0.75(nip)]·0.75 CH_3OH·0.5H_2 O}_n 2, were successfully obtained by varying the preparation methods and structurally characterized. Crystal data for 1: monoclinic, C2/c space group with a = 10.5546(6), b = 17.3496(6), c = 16.1198(9) ?, β = 104.2800(10)o, V = 2860.6(2) ?3, Dc = 2.058 g/cm~3, Mr = 443.13, Z = 8, F(000) = 1752, μ = 1.585 mm~(–1), the final R = 0.0394 and wR = 0.1109 for 2285 observed reflections with I 2σ(I). For 2: triclinic, P1 space group with a = 10.2032(7), b = 10.5098(8), c = 11.0223(8) ?, a = 65.7050(10)o, β = 74.5750(10)o, g = 61.5280(10)o, V = 943.38(12) ?~3, Dc = 1.888 g/cm3, Mr = 536.24, Z = 2, F(000) = 537, μ = 1.225 mm~(–1), the final R = 0.0225 and wR = 0.0702 for 3143 observed reflections with I 2σ(I). 1 presents a crisscrossed layer with mutually orthogonal {Cd(nip)} chains aggregated by neutral m-N(7),N(9)-Hade connector. By contrast, 2 displays a linear chain with CdⅡ ions extended by bis-bidentate chelating-nip2–connectors, which are further assembled into a broad ribbon by N-H···N hydrogen-bonding interactions. Additionally, the two solid-state samples with comparable thermal stability exhibit favorable luminescent emissions at room temperature, suggesting their potential applications as fluorescence materials.     

Metal–organic Coordination Polymers Assembled from Divalent Transition Salts with a Flexible Spacer Ligand: Hydrothermal Syntheses,Crystal Structures,and Luminescent and Magnetic Properties

Seven new metal-organic coordination polymers, [M(tzda)(H₂O)₄] _n [M = Co(1), Ni (2) and Zn(3)], [Zn(tzda)(4,4′-bipy)] _n (4), [Cd(tzda)(4,4′-bipy)_0.5(H₂O)] _n (5) and [M(tzda)(4,4′-bipy)(H₂O)] _n [M = Co(6), Ni(7)] [H₂tzda = (1,3,4-thiadiazole-2,5-diyldithio)diacetic acid, 4,4′-bipy = 4,4′-bipyridine] have been hydrothermally synthesized and structurally characterized by X-ray single crystal diffraction. Compounds 1–3 display similar 1D zigzag chain structure. Compound 4 possesses a 2D-layered architecture generated from [Zn(tzda)] _n moiety with double-chain structure cross-linking 4,4′-bipy spacers, while compound 5 consists of –Cd–OCO–Cd–OCO– chains cross-linked through –CH₂SC₂N₂SSCH₂– spacers of tzda anions and 4,4′-bipy, also showing a 2D-layered structure. The structures of 6 and 7 seem more complicated, in which the [M(tzda)] _n layered subunits are extended to unique 3D framework by the bridging 4,4′-bipy ligand. Photoluminescence investigations reveal that 4 and 5 both display strong blue emissions in the solid state at room temperature, which could be significant in the field of luminescent materials. The magnetic studies of 6 and 7 show both display the characteristics of a weak antiferromagnetic coupling between metal ions in the system mediated by carboxylate bridges.     

Encapsulation of vortioxetine with cyclodextrins via host–guest inclusion complex: Synthesis,characterization, solubility,and in vitro dissolution studies

Drug solubility plays a significant role in the development of drug formulation. The objectives of this work are to improve the solubility and dissolution rate of vortioxetine (VT) by preparing its inclusion complexes (ICs) with β-Cyclodextrin (β-CD) and γ-Cyclodextrin (γ-CD). The ICs were prepared in 1:1 M ratio via recrystallization method and characterized by P-XRD, FT-IR, ¹H NMR, 2D NOESY, and DSC. Further, the crystal structure of VT-β-CD was analyzed by SC-XRD. P-XRD data obtained for ICs describe the crystalline pattern. The DSC analysis shows change in the thermal behavior of VT, CDs and ICs. FT-IR analysis shows shifting of frequencies in ICs when compared with the pristine VT drug and CDs. The 2D NOESY in DMSO-d⁶ indicates weak interaction between the VT and CD molecules. The crystal structure of VT-β-CD consists of one guest VT, one host CD, and nine water molecules in the crystal lattice. The solubility of ICs was significantly improved in distilled water, pH 1.2 acidic, and phosphate buffer pH 6.8 medium, as compared with the solubility of the pristine VT drug. The in vitro dissolution rate of ICs in different dissolution media was investigated, which was higher than that of the commercial product of VT.     

Inclusion complexes of γ-cyclodextrin and carboxyl-modified γ-cyclodextrin with C60: synthesis, characterization and controlled release application via microgels

Carboxyl modified γ-cyclodextrin (CDSA) with a substitution degree of about 9.5 was prepared by the esterification of γ-cyclodextrin (CD) with succinic anhydride in pyridine at 90 °C. The chemical composition and the structure of CDSA were characterized by FT-IR, MALDI-TOF, X-ray diffraction pattern, potentiometric titration and TGA. Modified and native γ-cyclodextrin associate with fullerene (C₆₀) in DMF-toluene mixture resulting 1:1 CDSA:C₆₀ and CD:C₆₀ inclusion complexes. Aqueous solutions of native cyclodextrin, carboxyl-modified cyclodextrin and their inclusion complexes with C₆₀ were used as microgel solvent (or swelling agent) for controlled release application. The release of solutions was induced by shear stress and demonstrated using rheo-optical set-up.     

Luminescent Pincer Platinum(II) Complexes with Emission Quantum Yields up to Almost Unity: Photophysics,Photoreductive C?C Bond Formation,and Materials Applications

Luminescent pincer‐type Pt^II complexes supported by C‐deprotonated π‐extended tridentate R C^N^N R′ ligands and pentafluorophenylacetylide ligands show emission quantum yields up to almost unity. Femtosecond time‐resolved fluorescence measurements and time‐dependent DFT calculations together reveal the dependence of excited‐state structural distortions of [Pt(R C^N^N R′)(CC‐C₆F₅)] on the positional isomers of the tridentate ligand. Pt complexes [Pt(R‐C^N^N R′)(CC‐Ar)] are efficient photocatalysts for visible‐light‐induced reductive C C bond formation. The [Pt(R‐C^N^N R′)(CC‐C₆F₅)] complexes perform strongly as phosphorescent dopants for green‐ and red‐emitting organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) with external quantum efficiency values over 22.1 %. These complexes are also applied in two‐photon cellular imaging when incorporated into mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs).