Azadipyrromethene-based conjugated oligomers with near-IR absorption and high electron affinity

Solution-processable conjugated oligomers incorporating red-light absorbing azadipyrromethenes (aza-DIPY) within the main chain were synthesized via palladium-catalyzed Sonogashira coupling reactions. Thin films of these compounds absorbed light up to ～1000 nm and displayed reversible reductions as ascertained by cyclic voltammetry experiments. Reactions with trifluoroboron etherate yielded materials displaying a unique combination of good solubility in organic solvents, low optical band gaps (～1.3 eV), and high electron affinity (～4.5 eV).