Synthesis and properties of new phosphorus-functionalized bithiophene materials

The synthesis and reactivity of the novel dithieno[3,2-b:2′,3′-d]-phosphole system and its potential use in polymeric sensory materials was investigated. Due to the nucleophilic nature of the phosphorus atom, these materials were found to be easily tunable. Classical reactions at the phosphorus center were performed to modify the electronic structure of the system and the corresponding changes were detected by UV/Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy. Depending on the oxidation state of the central phosphorus atom or its substitution pattern, the dithieno[3,2-b:2′,3′-d]-phospholes show varying wavelengths for absorption and emission allowing to distinguish between different compounds by means of optical spectroscopy.