Pancake Bonding: An Unusual Pi-Stacking Interaction

A category of parallel π-stacking interaction, termed pancake bonding, is surveyed. The main characteristics are: the interaction occurs among radicals with highly delocalized π-electrons in their singly occupied molecular orbitals (SOMOs), the contact distances in the π-stacking direction are shorter than the typical van der Waals distances, and the stabilization obtained by the bonding combination of the SOMO orbitals leads to direct atom-to-atom overlap with strong orientational preferences. These atypical intermolecular interactions contain a component of electron sharing between the radicals that can be viewed as covalent-like. Pancake bonded dimers characteristically have low-lying singlet and triplet states and show characteristic interlayer vibrational modes. Pancake bonded aggregates serve as molecular components in many conducting and other functional organic materials. The role of van der Waals (vdW) interactions in pancake bonded dimers, chains, and other aggregates is different from closed shell vdW aggregates: here the Pauli repulsions reduce the attractive dispersion interaction significantly. Fluxionality between π- and σ-bonded aggregates often occur in the context of pancake bonding. Both experimental and computational aspects are reviewed.     

Electron-poor N-substituted imide-fused corannulenes

N-Substituted imide-fused corannulenes can be generated from the corresponding tetramethylfluoranthenes. Syntheses, crystal structure and electronic properties are reported. The solid state structure of the pentafluorophenyl derivative shows nearly perfect π-stacking in a convex-concave fashion and is expected to possess useful electronic properties.     

O-Doped Nanographenes: A Pyrano/Pyrylium Route Towards Semiconducting Cationic Mixed-Valence Complexes

Herein we report an efficient synthesis to prepare O-doped nanographenes derived from the π-extension of pyrene. The derivatives are highly fluorescent and feature low oxidation potentials. Using electrooxidation, crystals of cationic mixed-valence (MV) complexes were grown in which the organic salts organize into face-to-face π-stacks, a favorable solid-state arrangement for organic electronics. Variable-temperature electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) measurements and relaxation studies suggest a strong electron delocalization along the longitudinal axis of the columnar π-stacking architectures. Electric measurements of single crystals of the MV salts show a semiconducting behavior with a remarkably high conductivity at room temperature. These findings support the notion that π-extension of heteroatom-doped polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons is an attractive approach to fabricate nanographenes with a broad spectrum of semiconducting properties and high charge mobilities.     

Effect on the aromaticity of heterocyclic ligands by coordination with ruthenium electron-withdrawing metal centers

Density functional theory calculations of polypyridyl ruthenium complexes with polyaromatic ligands have been performed to understand the metal fragment effect on the modulation of their electronic properties and the influence on the aromatic character. The change of positions of the nitrogen atoms in the ligand structure, as well as the metal moiety, seems to influence the electronic behavior of the π-extended structure and the aromatic character of the complexes at both the ground and excited states. In this framework, structural, electronic, and magnetic-based aromaticity indices were used to understand the aromaticity of the free and coordinated ligands. The aromaticity character of the ligands is highly influenced by the metal fragment, and the aromaticity/antiaromaticity is achieved according to both the electron-withdrawing capability of the ligand and the metal fragment. The electronic distribution observed on the aromatic ligand determines their π-stacking ability; thus, it is proposed that the control of the π-stacking ability is modulated according to the electronic nature of the ruthenium moiety.     

Orientation-independent charge transport in single spherulites from solution-processed organic semiconductors

Due to the rapidity of morphological development during deposition, solution-processed organic semiconductor thin films exist in semicrystalline or polycrystalline states, incorporating a high degree of local variations in molecular orientation compared to their single-crystal counterparts. Spherulites, a common crystalline superstructure found in these systems, for example, incorporate a large distribution of molecular orientations about the radial axis to maintain their space-filling growth habit. Here, we aim to determine how this distribution of molecular orientations influences charge transport by fabricating arrays of devices on single spherulites. Given that the orientation distribution that is present about the radial axis mandates the presence of low-angle grain boundaries within single spherulites, we find intraspherulitic charge transport to be independent of the general direction of π-stacking; organic field-effect transistors exhibit comparable mobilities regardless of how their channels are oriented with respect to the general π-stacking direction.     

Synthesis of oxosumanenes through benzylic oxidation

Oxosumanenes were synthesized through benzylic oxidation. The electronic and redox properties were revealed to exhibit the expanded π-conjugation compared to sumanene. Single-crystal X-ray analysis of monooxosumanene showed columnar π-stacking in a concave-convex fashion. Stereoselective trimethylation of the trioxo derivative was performed via 1,2-addition to the carbonyl groups.     

One-dimensional metallic conducting pathway of cyclohexyl-substituted spiro-biphenalenyl neutral radical molecular crystal

The unprecedented metallic character of the cyclohexyl-substituted spiro-biphenalenyl neutral radical molecular crystal (5) suggested by its Pauli paramagnetism [Science 2005, 309, 281] is contradicted by the thermally activated conduction measured along the needle axis of crystal 5 and by an optical gap of Eg = 0.34 eV. Herein we provide the first high quality ab initio electronic structure calculations using density functional theory to reconcile these properties. The calculations point toward 5 being a quasi one-dimensional (1-D) material, with a 1-D conducting pathway along the [101] pi-chain direction. Along any directions other than the pi-chain, conduction is impeded by the small interchain overlap. 5 has a quarter-filled band structure with a density of states of N(Ef) = 7.5 states eV-1 at the Fermi level, leading to a metallic character along the pi-chain.     

Crystal structure of boron difluoride 1-naphthylbutanedionate-1,3(C10H7COCHCOCH3BF2). π-stacking interaction and luminescence

The crystal structure and luminescent properties of boron difluoride 1-naphthyl-butandionate-1,3 (1) (C₁₀H₇COCHCOCH₃BF₂) are determined and analyzed. The molecules of compound 1 are packed in the crystal into infinite stacks due to π-stacking interactions. A feature of the structure of 1 is a fragment of four neighboring molecules, the π-systems of which participate in π…π interactions of different types: naphthyl…naphthyl (head-to-head) and naphthyl…chelate (head-to-tail). The data of time resolved luminescent spectroscopy and quantum chemical computations show that in crystals and concentrated solutions of 1, one excimer structure occurs corresponding to the head-to-tail overlap.     

2-N-Tosylaminobenzaldehyde ferrocenoylhydrazone and its nickel(II) complex: Molecular and crystal structures

2-N-Tosylaminobenzaldehyde ferrocenoylhydrazone (H₂L) and the octahedral nickel(II) complex [Ni(HL)₂] · 2CH₃OH (I) are synthesized and structurally characterized (CIF files CCDC 981876 (H₂L) and 981877 (I)). The crystal structures of both compounds include two independent molecules with different mutual orientations of the tosyl and ferrocene fragments. In a single crystal of H₂L, the independent molecules are joined by intermolecular hydrogen bonds into infinite linear chains extended along the crystallographic axis x. The π-stacking interaction between the cyclopentadienyl rings is observed along with hydrogen bonds in a single crystal of complex I.     

A way to stable, highly emissive fluorubine dyes: tuning the electronic properties of azaderivatives of pentacene by introducing substituted pyrazines

Pentacene and its derivatives are among the most important examples of π-electron-rich molecules used in organic field effect transistors. The replacement of CH groups by nitrogen atoms opens an elegant way to generate highly electron-deficient molecules, known as oligoazaacenes. We describe the synthesis and spectroscopic properties of two novel derivatives of this family, namely the zwitterionic and quinoidal conjugated forms of dihydro-5,6,7,12,13,14-hexaazapentacene (fluorubine). We outline a powerful strategy to tune the electronic properties of these redox-active azaacenes by the selective introduction of substituted pyrazines. Their acidochromic and solvatochromic behaviour is investigated experimentally and interpreted with the help of theoretical calculations. The simple "exchange" of substituents or protonation is shown to significantly alter the spectroscopic and electronic properties of these remarkably stable π-systems. Their exceptional optical properties, such as high fluorescence quantum yields combined with a redox-active behaviour, make them promising candidates for sensor materials. Additional marked features in the solid state, such as herringbone packing in combination with short π-π distances, will open access to electronic materials.     

2]Catenanes and inclusion complexes derived from self-assembled rectangular Pd(II) and Pt(II) metallocycles

New inclusion complexes and [2]catenanes were self-assembled from a fluorescent diazapyrenium based ligand, a Pd(II) or Pt(II) complex, and cyclic or acyclic electron rich aromatic guests in aqueous and organic media. The molecular rectangles display a π-deficient cavity suitable to incorporate π-donor aromatic systems. The inclusion complexes between the metallocycles and phenylenic () and naphthalenic () derivatives were studied by NMR, UV-vis and fluorescence spectroscopy. The crystal structure of () ? ·6PF(6) confirmed the insertion of the guest into the cavity of the metallocycle. Following the same self-assembly strategy, the use of polyethers , as π-donors resulted in the self-assembly of the [2]catenanes (,)·6PF(6). Single-crystal X-ray analysis of ()·6PF(6) revealed the [2]catenane structure being stabilized by π-stacking and [C-HO] interactions.     

Stabilization of Pancake Bonding in (TCNQ)2.− Dimers in the Radical-Anionic Salt (N−CH3−2-NH2−5Cl−Py)(TCNQ)(CH3CN) Solvate and Antiferromagnetism Induction

We report a new antiferromagnetic radical-anion salt (RAS) formed from 7,7,8,8-tetracyanquinonedimethane (TCNQ) anion and 2-amino-5-chloro-pyridine cation with the composition of (N−CH₃−2-NH₂−5Cl−Py)(TCNQ)(CH₃CN). The crystallographic data indicates the formation of (TCNQ)₂^.− radical-anion π-dimers in the synthesized RAS. Unrestricted density functional theory calculations show that the formed π-dimers characterize with strong π-stacking “pancake” interactions, resulting in high electronic coupling, enabling efficient charge transfer properties, but π-dimers cannot be stable in the isolated conditions as a result of strong Coulomb repulsions. In a crystal, where (TCNQ)₂^.− π-dimers bound in the endless chainlets via supramolecular bonds with (N−CH₃−2-NH₂−5-Cl−Py)⁺ cations, the repulsion forces are screened, allowing for specific parallel π-stacking interactions and stable radical-anion dimers formation. Measurements of magnetic susceptibility and magnetization confirm antiferromagnetic properties of RAS, what is in line with the higher stability of ground singlet state of the radical-anion pair, calculated by means of the DFT. Therefore, the reported radical-anion (N−CH₃−2-NH₂−5Cl−Py)(TCNQ)(CH₃CN) solvate has promising applications in novel magnetics with supramolecular structures.     

Linkage between Fluorescence and Electrochemical Properties of Imidazolium Compounds in Acetonitrile Solution

The fluorescence properties of some imidazolium derivatives are relevant in photosensing and therefore, the structural analysis of them is a key point for its rational design, which would be useful to prepare new systems with novel applications. Herein we report a multidisciplinary study of the fluorescence and voltammetric properties of three imidazolium compounds {1,3-bis[(R,R)-1′-chloro-1′-phenylpropan-2′-yl]-imidazolium chloride ( 1 ), 1,3-bis[(Z)-1′-phenylprop-1′-en-2′-yl]imidazolium chloride ( 2 ) 1,3-bis[(R)-1′-chlorobutan-2′-yl]-imidazolium chloride ( 3 )}. Electronic structure calculations and Bader analyses were used to correlate both fluorescence and the capability of the molecules to be reduced through a heterogeneous electron transfer process. Both properties are strongly dependent on the proton in position two of the imidazolium ring, where the electron transfer as well as the excitation of the electrons are carried out. The reactivity in this position is controlled by the N-substituents on the imidazolium ring and is due to single contacts H⋅⋅⋅Cl⁻, tricentric contacts Cl⋅⋅⋅Cl⁻⋅⋅⋅Cl, π-electronic delocalization and π-stacking interactions.     

铁原子与氮分子间的相互作用——单侧双配位构型

用密度泛函理论的B3LYP/6-311+G(d)方法对单侧双配位FeN2体系(简记为S-FeN2)不同自旋多重度的稳定态、范德华力作用态和过渡态的多个电子态的几何结构、电子结构、能量和振动频率进行了计算比较研究. 结果表明, S-FeN2体系三种自旋态间, Fe—N 距离R1和N—N 距离R2值均比较接近; 能量最低的是15B2态, 相近态有15B1、13B1和13B2, 彼此能差约25 kJ·mol-1. 三重态电子结构复杂, 单重态能量普遍偏高; 基组态Fe原子与N2间存在强的σ-π电子对排斥而无有效轨道重叠和电子转移, 其它组态4s13d7、4s13d64p1和3d74p1, Fe 和N2间发生σ(sd)-π和π-π*轨道重叠作用, 有少量电子转移, 体系呈现一定的离子性特征, 活化N2键长基本不超过120 pm. Fe 原子的电子单或双重被激发到由N2反键轨道为主要成分的分子轨道上时, 能使N2活化到单键程度甚至解离.     

Tunneling currents that increase with molecular elongation

We present a model molecular system with an unintuitive transport-extension behavior in which the tunneling current increases with forced molecular elongation. The molecule consists of two complementary aromatic units (1,4-anthracenedione and 1,4-anthracenediol) hinged via two ether chains and attached to gold electrodes through thiol-terminated alkenes. The transport properties of the molecule as it is mechanically elongated in a single-molecule pulling setting are computationally investigated using a combination of equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations of the pulling with gDFTB computations of the transport properties in the Landauer limit. Contrary to the usual exponential decay of tunneling currents with increasing molecular length, the simulations indicate that upon elongation electronic transport along the molecule increases 10-fold. The structural origin of this inverted trend in the transport is elucidated via a local current analysis that reveals the dual role played by H-bonds in both stabilizing π-stacking for selected extensions and introducing additional electronic couplings between the complementary aromatic rings that also enhance tunneling currents across the molecule. The simulations illustrate an inverted electromechanical single-molecule switch that is based on a novel class of transport-extension behavior that can be achieved via mechanical manipulation and highlight the remarkable sensitivity of conductance measurements to the molecular conformation.     

π-Electron manipulation of the 5,6-dihydroxyindole/quinone system by 3-alkynylation: mild acid-mediated entry to (cross)-conjugated scaffolds and paradigms for medium-tunable chromophores

5,6-Dihydroxyindole-based systems engender increasing interest for the design and implementation of new functional aromatic scaffolds and eumelanin-like materials with tailored absorption and electronic properties. However, studies aimed at elucidating the influence of external π-conjugating groups on the redox properties and acid-induced reactivity of these highly oxidizable indolic platforms are lacking. We report herein the synthesis (as acetyl derivatives) and chemical/quantum chemical characterization of the first π-extended 5,6-dihydroxyindole derivatives, 3-ethynyl-5,6-dihydroxyindole (1) and 3,3'-(1,2-ethynediyl)bis-5,6-dihydroxyindole (2), in order to understand whether and how β extension of the enamine-like pyrrole sector affects the absorption properties, redox behavior, and protonation equilibria at both the o-diphenol and quinone levels. Oxidation of 1 and 2 proceeded smoothly to generate dark insoluble materials with eumelanin-like UV properties. On exposure to phosphate buffer at pH 3, 1 was rapidly converted to 3-acetyl-5,6-dihydroxyindole (5) and, in the presence of 5,6-dihydroxyindole, to the cross-conjugated 3,3'-ethenylidenebis-5,6-dihydroxyindole (6). DFT calculations on 1 and 2 and their quinones in their pristine states and after protonation provided a mechanistic frame to rationalize the unusual acid-mediated chemistry of 1 and disclosed 2-quinone as the prototype of a novel class of medium-dependent chromophores. The ethynyl(ene) structural motif is thus proposed as the key to new tunable π-electron extended 5,6-dihydroxyindole/5,6-indolequinone paradigms for the rational design of alkyne-containing hybrid eumelanin-type polymers.     

New Fluorescence Domain “Excited Multimer” Formed upon Photoexcitation of Continuously Stacked Diaroylmethanatoboron Difluoride Molecules with Fused π‐Orbitals in Crystals

The crystal‐packing structures of seven derivatives of diaroylmethanatoboron difluoride ( 1 a – gBF₂ ) are characterized by no overlap of the π‐conjugated main units of two adjacent molecules (type I), overlap of the benzene ring π‐orbitals of two adjacent molecules (type II), and overlap of the benzene and dihydrodioxaborinine rings π‐orbitals of adjacent molecules (type III). The crystal‐packing structures govern the fluorescence (FL) properties in the crystalline states. The FL domain that is present in type I crystals, in which intermolecular orbital interactions are absent, leads to excited monomer‐like FL properties. In the case of the type II crystals, the presence of intermolecular overlap of the benzene rings π‐orbitals generates new FL domains, referred to as “excited multimers”, which possess allowed S₀–S₁ electronic transitions and, as a result, similar FL lifetimes at longer wavelengths than the FL of the type I crystals. Finally, intermolecular overlap of the benzene and dihydrodioxaborinine ring π‐orbitals in the type III crystals leads to “excited multimer” domains with forbidden S₀–S₁ electronic transitions and longer FL lifetimes at similar wavelengths as that in type I crystals.     

Quantum Switching of π-Electron Rotations in a Nonplanar Chiral Molecule by Using Linearly Polarized UV Laser Pulses

Nonplanar chiral aromatic molecules are candidates for use as building blocks of multidimensional switching devices because the π electrons can generate ring currents with a variety of directions. We employed (P)-2,2'-biphenol because four patterns of π-electron rotations along the two phenol rings are possible and theoretically determine how quantum switching of the π-electron rotations can be realized. We found that each rotational pattern can be driven by a coherent excitation of two electronic states under two conditions: one is the symmetry of the electronic states and the other is their relative phase. On the basis of the results of quantum dynamics simulations, we propose a quantum control method for sequential switching among the four rotational patterns that can be performed by using ultrashort overlapped pump and dump pulses with properly selected relative phases and photon polarization directions. The results serve as a theoretical basis for the design of confined ultrafast switching of ring currents of nonplanar molecules and further current-induced magnetic fluxes of more sophisticated systems.     

Relationship between mechanochromic behavior and crystal structures in donor-π-acceptor compounds consisted of aromatic rings with ester moiety as an acceptor

We investigated the mechanochromic behavior of donor-π-acceptor compounds which consisted of diphenylaminophenylacetylene as a donor-π moiety and (hetero)aromatic ring bearing ester as an acceptor. The compounds with dicyanobenzoic ester gave the bathochromic shift by grinding, whereas the compounds consisted of the ester with benzene, imidazole, and thiazole rings showed the hypsochromic shift. From single-crystal X-ray analysis, we revealed that the compound with bathochromic shift gave the herringbone alignment with H-aggregate-like π-stacking in the crystal structure. On the contrary, the compounds with hypsochromic shift showed the structure with the alignment of long axis of the molecule in crystal structure.     

High-efficiency switching effect in porphyrin-ethyne-benzene conjugates

We have explored the electronic transport properties of porphyrin-ethyne-benzene conjugates using an ab initio method. The results indicate that these ethyne-bridged phenyl porphyrin molecules can be used as candidates for molecular switching devices. The coplanar conformation of phenyl and porphyrin moieties allows a far larger current than the perpendicular conformation due to the near vanishing overlap of the frontier molecular orbitals (π channels) in the porphyrin and phenyl parts in the latter. Higher current ratios of ON/OFF states can be obtained if amino or nitro substituent is placed at the position meta to the bridge connecting the π systems of the molecule. The substituent group affects the electronic state energy of the entire molecule in coplanar conformation, while only affecting the local part in perpendicular conformation. More complex ethyne-bridged diphenyl porphyrin molecules are found to yield more complex and interesting switching effects. Our results suggest that such molecular wires composed of appropriate π-conjugated molecules, can generally display perfect switching function and the efficiency can be tuned flexibly by adding certain substituent groups to the conjugates.