Copolyfluorenes containing bridged triphenylamine or triphenylamine: Synthesis,characterization, and optoelectronic properties

A novel aryl‐bridged triphenylamine derivative, 7‐t‐butyl‐5,5,9,9‐tetraaryl‐13b‐aza‐naphtho[3,2,1‐de]anthracene (ABTPA) was designed and synthesized. The alternating copolymers of ABTPA/dihexylfluorene ( P1 ) and triphenylamine (TPA)/dihexylfluorene ( P2 ) were synthesized by Suzuki coupling reaction. P1 shows excellent thermal stability with a decomposition temperature of 440 °C and a glass‐transition temperature of 326 °C. The HOMO energy levels of the two polymers are very close (?5.15 eV for P1 and ?5.13 eV for P2 ). The maximum absorption peak of P1 is red shifted by 23 nm with respect to P2 , because the incorporation of ABTPA units into the PF backbone enhances the electronic conjugation degree compared with the case of TPA units. The rigidity and the steric hindrance of the ABTPA in P1 result in a small Stokes shift and almost the same emission spectra of P1 between its film and solution. A PLED with simple configurations of ITO/ P1 /TNS (tetranaphthalen‐2‐yl‐silane)/Alq₃ (tris(8‐hydroxyquinolinolato)aluminum)/Al emits a blue light with emission peak at 436 nm, and exhibits a maximum current efficiency of 1.89 cd/A and a maximum luminance of 4183 cd/m², which is superior to the device with P2 as emissive layer under the identical conditions. These results indicate that ABTPA unit could be a very promising candidate to replace TPA unit and find widely application in organic/polymeric optoelectronic materials. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 3651–3661, 2009     

Accurate theoretical prediction of optical properties of BODIPY dyes

Boron-dipyrromethene dyes (BODIPY) are of great interest nowadays mostly due to their valuable optical properties. Nevertheless, no systematic research of the optical property dependence on the structure of dyes has been performed yet. In this work, analysis of the available quantum-chemical methods for BODIPY optical property calculations has been carried out. The accuracy of eight DFT functionals has been studied. The solvation effects upon excitation have been considered within two schemes. The methods that predict the absorption and emission spectra of BODIPY derivatives with high accuracy have been proposed. Using the suggested methods, the influence of nature of substituents and their position in the BODIPY core on the optical spectra of the dyes has been studied. A complex pattern of red- and blue-shifts in optical spectra in dependence of nature and position of substituents has been revealed. The results of this work provide the way for efficient design of BODIPY derivatives with desired optical properties.     

Synthesis and electrochromic properties of polybismaleimides containing triphenylamine units

The bismaleimide (BMI) monomer containing triphenylamine was prepared firstly. Then BMI was reacted with different diamines by Michael addition to obtain prepolymers, respectively. Finally, polyimides (PIs) were obtained through melting procedure. The effects of the structure of BMI moiety and thermal curing condition on thermal stability of PIs were studied by thermogravimetric analysis. PIs have excellent processing properties for film casting. Cyclic voltammetry of PI films was carried out on an indium-doped tin oxide-coated glass substrate. Results which exhibit two reversible oxidations at 0.71–0.78 and 1.06–1.16 V vs Ag/AgCl. The electrochromic performance was investigated by spectroelectrochemical methods. These anodically coloring polymer films not only showed good electrochromic properties but also exhibited high optical contrast ratio of transmittance with a color changing from yellow to green. After 100 cyclic switches, the polymer films still retained excellent redox and electrochromic activity.     

Synthesis, optical characterization, and electrochemical properties of isomeric tetraphenylbenzodifurans containing electron acceptor groups

Isomeric tetraphenylbenzodifuran systems, benzo[1,2-b:5,4]difuran and benzo[1,2-b:4,5]difuran, containing electron acceptor groups (CF(3), CN, and NO(2)) have been synthesized and studied. Their electronic absorption, fluorescence, two-photon absorption cross sections, and electrochemical properties were investigated. The absorption and emission maxima are red-shifted for the linear-conjugated systems in comparison with the corresponding isomer. Dual fluorescence was observed and the existence of a twisted intramolecular charge transfer state was confirmed by low-temperature emission experiments. Wide HOMO-LUMO energy gaps were obtained ranging from 2.53 to 3.28 eV. HOMO levels were found in the energy range of -6.03 to -6.63 eV while LUMO are within -2.55 to -3.52 eV.     

Synthesis and second-order nonlinear optical properties of push-pull BODIPY derivatives

A series of boron dipyrromethene derivatives bearing an electron-donating 4-(dimethylamino)phenylethynyl group and an electron-withdrawing 4-nitrophenylethynyl group in the opposite 2- and 6-positions have been synthesized by Knoevenagel condensation followed by sequential Sonogashira coupling reactions. The compounds have been fully characterized with various spectroscopic methods. Their electrochemical properties have also been studied by cyclic voltammetry in CH₂Cl₂. It has been found that expansion of the π systems by introduction of the 4-dodecyloxystyryl or 4-(dimethylamino)phenylethynyl group results in lowering of the first oxidation potential, while the first reduction potential remains relatively unaffected. The second-order nonlinear optical properties of these compounds have also been studied by electric-field-induced second-harmonic generation method in CHCl₃. The values of the dot product μ·β are in the range from 94×10^?48 to 330×10^?48 esu at 1907 nm, depending the substituents at the 3- and 5-positions.     

Synthesis, optical and electrochemical properties of new receptors and sensors containing anthraquinone and benzimidazole units

Novel anion receptors and sensors, HBIMANQ and BIMANQ fabricated from the imidazolole unit and anthraquinone moieties were synthesized. ¹H NMR spectroscopy and UV-vis titrations in DMSO-d₆ and DMSO, respectively, showed that both receptors underwent deprotonation at the NH- moiety of the amide-anthraquinone unit in the presence of basic anions such as F⁻ and AcO⁻. These phenomena gave a dramatic color change due to charge transfer transition corresponding to the shift of λ_max from 371 nm to 489 nm. Redox chemistry of HBIMANQ and BIMANQ in the presence of anions (F⁻, Cl⁻, AcO⁻, BzO⁻, and H₂PO₄⁻) using cyclic voltammetry showed the different CV responses upon addition of various anions. In the case of HBIMANQ with various anions, the CV changes are dependent on the basic strength of anions in order of F⁻>AcO⁻, BzO⁻>H₂PO₄⁻>Cl⁻, Br⁻. Interestingly, the CV responses of BIMANQ with H₂PO₄⁻ exhibited the most significant changes. BIMANQ, thus, has an excellent electrochemical selectivity toward H₂PO₄⁻.     

Low‐band gap copolymers containing thienothiadiazole units: Synthesis,optical, and electrochemical properties

Novel low‐band gap alternating copolymers consisting of 9,9‐bis(2‐ethylhexyl)fluorene and 4,6‐di(2‐thienyl)thieno[3,4‐c][1,2,5]thiadiazole and its 3,3″‐dialkyl derivatives were synthesized by Suzuki copolymerization reaction, and their photophysical and electrochemical properties were studied. The copolymers possess small optical band gap 1.3–1.4 eV. The absorption covers the whole visible spectral region. The long‐wavelength absorption maxima in thin films located at approximately 750–785 nm are significantly red shifted compared with those in solution, indicating strong intermolecular interactions. The introduction of alkyl chains to the thiophene units increases the molecular weights of soluble fractions and solubility of the final copolymers, leading to the improved processability of thin films. Polymer solutions exhibited solvatochromism and thermochromism, which is strongly supported by the involvement of the alkyl chains. The copolymers exhibited ambipolar redox properties and reversible electrochromic behavior. The electronic properties are influenced only slightly by alkyl substituents. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 2743–2756, 2010     

Synthesis and electrochromic properties of triphenylamine containing copolymers: Effect of π‐bridge on electrochemical properties

In this study, a series of benzotriazole (BTz) and triphenylamine (TPA)‐based random copolymers; poly4‐(5‐(2‐dodecyl‐7‐methyl‐2H‐benzo[d][1,2,3]triazol‐4‐yl)thiophen‐2‐yl)‐N‐(4‐(5‐methylthiophen‐2‐yl)phenyl)‐N‐phenylaniline ( P1 ), poly4′‐(2‐dodecyl‐7‐methyl‐2H‐benzo[d][1,2,3]triazol‐4‐yl)‐N‐(4′‐methyl‐[1,1′‐biphenyl]‐4‐yl)‐N‐phenyl‐[1,1′‐biphenyl]‐4‐amine ( P2 ), and poly4‐(5′‐(2‐dodecyl‐7‐(5‐methylthiophen‐2‐yl)?2H‐benzo[d][1,2,3]triazol‐4‐yl)‐[2,2′‐bithiophen]‐5‐yl)‐N‐(4‐(5‐methylthiophen‐2‐yl)phenyl)‐N‐phenylaniline ( P3 ) were synthesized to investigate the effect of TPA unit and π‐bridges on electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical properties of corresponding polymers. The synthesis was carried out via Stille coupling for P1 , P3 , and Suzuki coupling for P2 . Electrochemical and spectral results showed that P1 has an ambipolar character, in other words it is both p‐type and n‐type dopable, whereas P2 and P3 have only p‐doping property. Effect of different π‐bridges and TPA unit on the HOMO and LUMO energy levels, switching time, and optical contrast were discussed. All polymers are promising materials for electrochromic devices. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014 , 52, 537–544     

Synthesis and properties of polythiophene derivatives containing triphenylamine moiety and their photovoltaic applications

A series of novel soluble polythiophene derivatives containing triphenylamine moiety were synthesized by Grignard metathesis (GRIM) method. The structures of the polymers were characterized and their physical properties were investigated. High molecular weight (M_n up to 25,800 g/mol) and thermostable polymers were obtained. The absorption spectra demonstrated that the absorption wavelength of the polymers could be tuned dramatically by introducing thiophene units in the main chain of the polymers. Photoluminescence spectra indicated that there was intramolecular energy transfer from the side chain to the main chain, and the maximum emission was red‐shifted gradually with the increase of thiophene units in the main chain. Cyclic voltammetry displayed that the polymers possessed relatively high oxidation potential, which promised good air stability and high open circuit voltage for photovoltaic cells application. Finally, bulk heterojunction photovoltaic devices were fabricated by using the polymers as donors and (6,6)‐phenyl C₆₁‐butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) as acceptor. The maximal open circuit voltage of the photovoltaic cells reached 0.71–0.87 V and the power conversion efficiencies of the devices were measured between 0.014% and 0.45% under white light at 100 mW/cm². © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 3970–3984, 2008     

Esters of ferrocenol: Synthesis,optical properties,and electrochemical behavior

Ferrocenol esters were prepared by the reaction of ferrocenylboric acid with aldehydes and air oxygen catalyzed by N-heterocyclic carbene. Optical properties (electron absorption and fluorescence spectra) and electrochemical behavior of the obtained compounds were studied (oxidation and reduction during the process of cyclic voltammetry).     

New host homopolymers containing pendant triphenylamine derivatives: Synthesis,optical, electrochemical properties and its blend with Ir(ppy)3 for green phosphorescent organic light‐emitting devices

Two vinyl homopolymers poly(N‐(4‐(4‐(4‐vinylbenzyloxy)styryl)phenyl)‐N‐phenylbenzenamine) (PVST ) and poly(4‐vinyltriphenylamine) (PTPA ) containing pendant hole‐transporting triphenylamine and 4‐oxystyryltriphenylamine groups, respectively, were synthesized by radical polymerization and employed as hosts for tris(2‐phenylpyridine) iridium [Ir(ppy)₃] phosphor. Structural influences of the hole‐transporting groups upon optoelectronic properties were investigated by photophysical, electrochemical, and electroluminescent methods. The polymers were readily soluble in common organic solvents and their weight‐average molecular weights (M_w) were 5.68 × 10⁴ and 1.90 × 10⁴, respectively. The emission spectra (both photoluminescence, PL and electroluminescent, EL) of the blends [PTPA with 4 wt % Ir(ppy)₃] showed dominant green emission (517 nm) attributed to Ir(ppy)₃ due to efficient energy transfer from PTPA to Ir(ppy)₃. The HOMO levels of PVST and PTPA, estimated from onset oxidation potentials in their cyclic voltammograms, were ?5.14 and ?5.36 eV, which are much higher than ?5.8 eV of the conventional poly(9‐vinylcarbazole) (PVK) host owing to high hole‐affinity of the triphenylamine groups. The optoelectronic performances of phosphorescent EL devices, using PVST and PTPA as hosts and Ir(ppy)₃ as dopant (indium tin oxide, ITO/poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS)/PVST or PTPA:Ir(ppy)₃(4 wt %):PBD(40 wt %)/BCP/Ca/Al), were investigated. The maximum luminance and luminance efficiency of the PTPA device were 9220 cd/m² and 6.1 cd/A, respectively, which were significantly improved relative to those of PVK and PVST. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 7960–7971, 2008     

Synthesis, structure, and optical and electrochemical properties of star-shaped porphyrin-triarylamine conjugates

A series of novel star-shaped porphyrin-triarylamine conjugates were synthesized by palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions. The spectroscopic and electrochemical studies show that pi-conjugation of the porphyrin core is extended to the triarylamine moieties.     

Synthesis, structural charaterization, and electrochemical and optical properties of ferrocene-triazole-pyridine triads

The synthesis and electrochemical, optical, and cation-sensing properties of the ferrocene-triazole-pyridine triads 3 and 5 are presented. Azidoferrocene 1 and 1,1'-diazidoferrocene 4 underwent the "click" reaction with 2-ethynylpyridine to give the triads 3 and 5 in 81% and 68% yield, respectively. Electrochemical studies carried out in CH(3)CN in the presence of increasing amounts of Zn(2+), Ni(2+), Cd(2+), Hg(2+), and Pb(2+) metal cations, showed that the wave corresponding to the ferrocene/ferrocenium redox couple is anodically shifted by 70-130 mV for triad 3 and 167-214 mV for triad 5. The maximum shift of the ferrocene oxidation wave was found for 5 in the presence of Zn(2+). In addition, the low-energy band of the absorption spectra of 3 and 5 are red-shifted (Δλ = 5-10 nm) upon complexation with these metal cations. The crystal structures of compounds 3 and 5 and the complex [3(2)·Zn](2+) have been determined by single-crystal X-ray methods. (1)H NMR studies as well as density functional theory calculations have been carried out to get information about the binding sites that are involved in the complexation process.     

Synthesis, electrochemical, and optical properties of linear homo- and heterometallocene triads

The synthesis, electrochemical, and optical properties of homo- (5, 8, 9, and 12) and heterometallic (6, 7, 10, and 11) ferrocene-ruthenocene triads, are presented. Triferrocenyl derivatives 5 and 9 form the mixed-valence species 5*+ and 92+ by partial oxidation, which show intramolecular electro-transfer phenomena. Interestingly, spectroelectrochemical studies of compound 11, bearing two peripheral ferrocene units and one central ruthenocene moiety, revealed the presence of low-energy bands in the near-infrared (NIR) region, which indicate a rather unusual intramolecular charge-transfer between the ferrocene and ruthenocene units. The value of the electronic coupling parameter V(ab) = 150 cm(-1) calculated by deconvolution of the observed Fe(II)-Fe(III) IVCT transition in the mixed-valence compound 11*+, (d(Fe(II)-Fe(III)) = 18.617 A), indicates the ability of the ruthenocene system to promote a long distance intervalence electron-transfer. Moreover, the reported triads show selective cation sensing properties. Triads 5, 9, and 11 behave as dual redox and optical chemosensors for Zn(2+), Hg(2+), and Pb(2+). Their oxidation redox peaks are anodically shifted (up to 130 mV), and their low-energy (LE) bands of the absorption spectra are red-shifted (up to 115 nm) upon complexation with these metal cations. These changes in the absorption spectra are accompanied by dramatic color changes which allow the potential for "naked eye" detection.     

Synthesis,spectroscopy and electrochemical properties of highly soluble fluoro containing phthalocyanines

2(3),9(10),16(17),23(24)-Tetrakis-4′-[3,5-bis-(trifluoromethyl)-phenoxy]-phthalocyanines, {M[Pc-β(OBz-(CF₃)₂)₄]}, (M = Zn(II), Cu(II), Co(II) and Ni(II)) were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, FTIR, ¹H NMR, UV–Vis and MS (Maldi-TOF) spectral data. It is shown that the 4-(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)-phenoxy) moieties on the periphery affect the solubility, spectroscopic data and electrochemistry of the tetrakis metallophthalocyanines. The cyclic voltammetry and differential pulsed voltammetry of the complexes give well-defined redox couples in harmony with common metallophthalocyanine complexes. Electrochemical studies show that the complexes exhibit stable monoanionic M{Pc-β-[(OBz-(CF₃)₂)₄]}¹⁻, dianionic M{Pc-β-[(OBz-(CF₃)₂)₄]}²⁻ and monocationic M{Pc-β-[(OBz-(CF₃)₂)₄]}¹⁺ species during the reduction and oxidation processes. When compared with the unsubstituted analogues, the redox potentials of the complexes shifted to more positive potentials due to the electron-withdrawing fluorine groups.     

Functional Janus dendrimers containing carbazole with liquid crystalline,optical and electrochemical properties

ABSTRACT

Novel liquid crystalline Janus dendrimers that combine a mesogenic block and an electroactive block have been synthesised. The mesogenic block is based on two third-generation Percec-type dendrons bearing six or eight terminal dodecyloxy alkyl chains, whereas the electroactive blocks are formed by one or two carbazole units. The liquid crystal behaviour was investigated by polarised-light optical microscopy, differential scanning microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The Janus dendrimers with one electroactive unit exhibited cubic or columnar liquid crystal phases, whereas the Janus dendrimers with two electroactive units did not show liquid crystalline behaviour. The UV-vis absorption and emission properties of the Janus dendrimers were investigated. The spectra suggested the existence of π-π stacking and the formation of aggregates in the solid state. Electrodeposition of the carbazole-containing dendrimers afforded semi-globular particles in which the number of electropolymerizable units and the flexible or rigid character of the linker have a decisive influence in the particle size.     

Synthesis, optical, electrochemical, and thermal properties of conjugated α-fluorenyl oligothiophenes

A series of new α-fluorenyl oligothiophenes up to the pentamer have been synthesized using Suzuki cross-coupling and bromination reactions. The optical, electrochemical, and thermal properties of these materials can be tuned by varying the number of thiophene rings. The longer oligomers (n ? 4) were stable, crystalline, and unreactive to electrochemical oxidative dimerization.