Tuning the columnar organization of discotic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Phenanthrothiophene-Triazine Star-Shaped Discotic Liquid Crystals: Synthesis, Self-Assembly, and Stimuli-Responsive Fluorescence Properties

Lipophilic biphenylthiophene- and phenanthrothiophene-triazine compounds, BPTTn and CPTTn, respectively, were prepared by a tandem procedure involving successive Suzuki-Miyaura coupling and Scholl cyclodehydrogenation reactions. These compounds display photoluminescence in solution and in thin film state, solvatochromism with increasing solvent's polarity, as well as acidochromism and metal ion recognition stimuli-responsive fluorescence. Protonation of BPTT10 and CPTT10 by trifluoroacetic acid results in fluorescence quenching, which is reversibly restored once treated with triethylamine (ON-OFF switch). DFT computational studies show that intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) phenomena occurs for both molecules, and reveal that protonation enhances the electron-withdrawing ability of the triazine core and reduces the band gap. This acidochromic behavior was applied to a prototype fluorescent anti-counterfeiting device. They also specifically recognize Fe3+ through coordination, and the recognition mechanism is closely related to the photoinduced electron transfer between Fe3+ and BPTT10/CPTT10. CPTTn self-assemble into columnar rectangular (Colrec) mesophase, which can be modulated by oleic acid via the formation of a hydrogen-bonded supramolecular liquid crystal hexagonal Colhex mesophase. Finally, CPTTn also form organic gels in alkanes at low critical gel concentration (3.0 mg/mL). Therefore, these star-shaped triazine molecules possess many interesting features and thus hold great promises for information processing, liquid crystal semiconductors and organogelators.

A novel B,O,N-doped mesogen with narrowband MR-TADF emission

Modification of an unsymmetric B,O,N-doped aromatic core with peripheral mesogenic units triggers self-assembly into a columnar hexagonal mesophase, which is stable between 22 and 144 °C. The columnar assembly is preserved in a glassy state below 22 °C. The B,O,N-doped mesogen displays narrowband sky-blue multiresonance thermally activated delayed fluorescence (MR-TADF) under diluted conditions and bright excimer emission in condensed phase. Our combined experimental and theoretical approach provides insight into the development of strongly aggregating liquid crystalline MR-TADF emitters.

Diboraperylene Diborinic Acid Self-Assembly on Ag(111)-Kagome Flat Band Localized States Imaged by Scanning Tunneling Microscopy and Spectroscopy

Replacement of sp2-hybridized carbon in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) by boron affords electron-deficient π-scaffolds due to the vacant pz-orbital of three-coordinate boron with the potential for pronounced electronic interactions with electron-rich metal surfaces. Using a diboraperylene diborinic acid derivative as precursor and a controlled on-surface non-covalent synthesis approach, we report on a self-assembled chiral supramolecular kagome network on an Ag(111) surface stabilized by intermolecular hydrogen-bonding interactions at low temperature. Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and spectroscopy (STS) reveal a flat band at ca. 0.33 eV above the Fermi level which is localized at the molecule center, in good agreement with tight-binding model calculations of flat bands characteristic for kagome lattices.

Supramolecular Polymer Polymorphism: Spontaneous Helix-Helicoid Transition through Dislocation of Hydrogen-Bonded π-Rosettes

Polymorphism, a phenomenon whereby disparate self-assembled products can be formed from identical molecules, has incited interest in the field of supramolecular polymers. Conventionally, the monomers that constitute supramolecular polymers are engineered to facilitate one-dimensional aggregation and, consequently, their polymorphism surfaces primarily when the states of assembly differ significantly. This engenders polymorphs of divergent dimensionalities such as one- and two-dimensional aggregates. Notwithstanding, realizing supramolecular polymer polymorphism, wherein polymorphs maintain one-dimensional aggregation, persists as a daunting challenge. In this work, we expound upon the manifestation of two supramolecular polymer polymorphs formed from a large discotic supramolecular monomer (rosette), which consists of six hydrogen-bonded molecules with an extended π-conjugated core. These polymorphs are generated in mixtures of chloroform and methylcyclohexane, attributable to distinctly different disc stacking arrangements. The face-to-face (minimal displacement) and offset (large displacement) stacking arrangements can be predicated on their distinctive photophysical properties. The face-to-face stacking results in a twisted helix structure. Conversely, the offset stacking induces inherent curvature in the supramolecular fiber, thereby culminating in a hollow helical coil (helicoid). While both polymorphs exhibit bistability in nonpolar solvent compositions, the face-to-face stacking attains stability purely in a kinetic sense within a polar solvent composition and undergoes conversion into offset stacking through a dislocation of stacked rosettes. This occurs without the dissociation and nucleation of monomers, leading to unprecedented helicoidal folding of supramolecular polymers. Our findings augment our understanding of supramolecular polymer polymorphism, but they also highlight a distinctive method for achieving helicoidal folding in supramolecular polymers.

Enantiomers Self-Sort into Separate Counter-Twisted Ribbons of the Fddd Liquid Crystal─Antiferrochirality and Parachirality

The recently discovered orthorhombic liquid crystal (LC) phase of symmetry Fddd is proving to be widespread. In this work, a chiral hydroxybutyrate linkage is inserted into the molecular core of hexacatenar rodlike compounds, containing a thienylfluorenone fluorophore. In addition to more usual tools, the methods used include grazing-incidence X-ray scattering, modulated differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), flash DSC with rates up to 6000 K/s, and chiro-optical spectroscopies using Mueller matrix method, plus conformational mapping. Although pure R and S enantiomers form only a strongly chiral hexagonal columnar LC phase (Colh*), the racemic mixture forms a highly ordered Fddd phase with 4 right- and 4 left-handed twisted ribbon-like columns traversing its large unit cell. In that structure, the two enantiomers locally deracemize and self-sort into the columns of their preferred chirality. The twisted ribbons in Fddd, with a 7.54 nm pitch, consist of stacked rafts, each containing ∼2 side-by-side molecules, the successive rafts rotated by 17°. In contrast, an analogous achiral compound forms only the columnar phase. The multiple methods used gave a comprehensive picture and helped in-depth understanding not only of the Fddd phase but also of the "parachiral" Colh* in pure enantiomers with irregular helicity, whose chirality is compared to the magnetization of a paramagnet in a field. Unusual short-range ordering effects are also described. An explanation of these phenomena is proposed based on conformational analysis. Surprisingly, the isotropic-columnar transition is extremely fast, completing within ∼20 ms. A clear effect of phase on UV-vis absorption and emission is observed.

A tribenzocoronene-based 2D conductive metal-organic framework for efficient energy storage

We have developed a new 2D c-MOF (Cu-TBC) via coordination polymerization of a highly conjugated tribenzocoronene-type organic ligand (6OH-TBC) and Cu²⁺, which exhibits excellent stability and performance as the electrode for a supercapacitor.

Thermo-Induced Bathochromic Emission in Columnar Discotic Liquid Crystals Realized by Intramolecular Planarization

Most organic thermochromic fluorescent materials exhibit thermo-induced hypsochromic emission due to the formation of excimers in ordered molecular solids; however, it is still a challenge to endow them with bathochromic emission despite its significance in making up the field of thermochromism. Here, a thermo-induced bathochromic emission in columnar discotic liquid crystals is reported realized by intramolecular planarization of the mesogenic fluorophores. A three-armed discotic molecule of dialkylamino-tricyanotristyrylbenzene was synthesized, which preferred to twist out of the core plane to accommodate ordered molecular stacking in hexagonal columnar mesophases, giving rise to bright green monomer emission. However, intramolecular planarization of the mesogenic fluorophores occurred in isotropic liquid increasing the conjugation length, and as a result led to thermo-induced bathochromic emission from green to yellow light. This work reports a new concept in the thermochromic field and provides a novel strategy to achieve fluorescence tuning from intramolecular actions.

Hexa-peri-hexabenzocoronene derivatives carrying dovetailed alkyl and diacetylenic side chains: a synthesis, characterization, and polymerization study

A new polymerizable 2,8,14-triphenylhexabenzo[bc,ef,hi,kl,no,qr]coronene (HBC) mesogen bearing alternating dovetailed and linear alkyl chains with a diacetylenic unit were successfully synthesized in this study.

Chiral columns forming a lattice with a giant unit cell

Mesogenic materials, quinoxaline derivatives with semi-flexible cores, are reported to form a new type of 3D columnar phase with a large crystallographic unit cell and Fddd lattice below the columnar hexagonal phase. The 3D columnar structure is a result of frustration imposed by the arrangement of helical columns of opposite chiralities into a triangular lattice. The studied materials exhibit fluorescence properties that could be easily tuned by modification of the molecular structure; for compounds with the extended π electron conjugated systems the fluorescence is quenched. For molecules with a flexible structure the fluorescence quantum yield reaches 25%. On the other hand, compounds with a more rigid mesogenic core, for which the fluorescence is suppressed, show effective photogeneration of charge carriers. For some materials bi-polar hole and electron transport was observed.

Monolayer and Bilayer Formation of Molecular 2D Networks Assembled at the Liquid/Solid Interfaces by Solution-Based Drop-Cast Method

In recent years, extending self-assembled structures from two-dimensions (2D) to three-dimensions (3D) has been a paradigm in surface supramolecular chemistry and contemporary nanotechnology. Using organic molecules of p-terphenyl-3,5,3′,5′-tetracarboxylic acid (TPTC), and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), we present a simple route, that is the control of the solute solubility in a sample solution, to achieve the vertical growth of supramolecular self-assemblies, which would otherwise form monolayers at the organic solvent/graphite interface. Presumably, the bilayer formations were based on π-conjugated overlapped molecular dimers that worked as nuclei to induce the yielding of the second layer. We also tested other molecules, including trimesic acid (TMA) and 1,3,5-tris(4-carboxyphenyl)-benzene (BTB), as well as the further application of our methodology, demonstrating the facile preparation of layered assemblies.

A Modular Cascade Synthetic Strategy Toward Structurally Constrained Boron-Doped Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons

A novel synthetic strategy was developed for the construction of difficult‐to‐access structurally constrained boron‐doped polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (sc‐B‐PAHs) via a cascade reaction from the readily available ortho‐aryl‐substituted diarylalkynes. This domino process involves borylative cyclization, 1,4‐boron migration and successive two‐fold electrophilic borylation. Two types of sc‐B‐PAHs bearing B‐doped [4]helicene (1 a‐1 i) or BN‐doped [4]helicene (1 n‐1 t) and double [4]helicene (1 u‐1 v) are constructed by this cascade reaction. Remarkably, this synthetic strategy is characterized by modest yields (20–50 %) and broad substrate scope (18 examples) with versatile functional group tolerance. The resultant sc‐B‐PAHs show good stability under ambient conditions and are thoroughly investigated by X‐ray crystallography, UV/Vis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry. Interestingly enough, BN‐doped [4]helicene 1 o forms a unique alternating π‐stacked dimer of enantiomers within a helical columnar superstructure, while BN‐doped double [4]helicene 1 u establishes an unprecedented π‐stacked trimeric sandwich structure with a rare 2D lamellar π‐stacking. The synthetic approach reported herein represents a powerful tool for the rapid generation of novel sc‐B‐PAHs, which are highly attractive for the elucidation of the structure‐property relationship and for potential optoelectronic applications.

Late-Stage Functionalisation of Polycyclic (N-Hetero-) Aromatic Hydrocarbons by Detoxifying CYP5035S7 Monooxygenase of the White-Rot Fungus Polyporus arcularius

Functionalisation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their N-heteroarene analogues (NPAHs) is a tedious synthetic endeavour that requires diverse bottom-up approaches. Cytochrome P450 enzymes of white-rot fungi were shown to participate in the fungal detoxification of xenobiotics and environmental hazards via hydroxylation of PAH compounds. In this paper, the recently discovered activity of the monooxygenase CYP5035S7 towards (N)PAHs was investigated in detail, and products formed from the substrates azulene, acenaphthene, fluorene, anthracene, and phenanthrene by whole-cell biocatalysis were isolated and characterised. The observed regioselectivity of CYP5035S7 could be explained by a combination of the substrate's electron density and steric factors influencing the substrate orientation giving insight into the active-site geometry of the enzyme.

Perinone-New Life of an Old Molecule

A review of publications on the synthesis and properties of a family of compounds called perinones was carried out. The basic molecule has been known for several decades mainly as a photostable pigment, and in recent years it has become increasingly used in organic electronics. This paper describes the methods of synthesis of low molecular weight compounds and polymers based on that molecule; the basic spectroscopic, photochemical, electrochemical and electronic properties important for the construction of organic electronics and optoelectronics devices are also discussed.

Laser-Induced Electronic and Vibronic Dynamics in the Pyrene Molecule and Its Cation

Among polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, pyrene is widely used as an optical probe thanks to its peculiar ultraviolet absorption and infrared emission features. Interestingly, this molecule is also an abundant component of the interstellar medium, where it is detected via its unique spectral fingerprints. In this work, we present a comprehensive first-principles study on the electronic and vibrational response of pyrene and its cation to ultrafast, coherent pulses in resonance with their optically active excitations in the ultraviolet region. The analysis of molecular symmetries, electronic structure, and linear optical spectra is used to interpret transient absorption spectra and kinetic energy spectral densities computed for the systems excited by ultrashort laser fields. By disentangling the effects of the electronic and vibrational dynamics via ad hoc simulations with stationary and moving ions, and, in specific cases, with the aid of auxiliary model systems, we rationalize that the nuclear motion is mainly harmonic in the neutral species, while strong anharmonic oscillations emerge in the cation, driven by electronic coherence. Our results provide additional insights into the ultrafast vibronic dynamics of pyrene and related compounds and set the stage for future investigations on more complex carbon-conjugated molecules.

Alkylated Benzodithienoquinolizinium Salts as Possible Non-Fullerene Organic N-Type Semiconductors: An Experimental and Theoretical Study

Three photobicyclized benzodithienoquinolizinium tetrafluoroborates (BPDTQBF4) were prepared and evaluated by UV-Vis and fluorescence spectral, electrochemical analysis, and by theoretical calculations as possible organic n-type semiconductors. Evaluation and comparison of their LUMO levels, HOMO-LUMO energy gaps as monomeric and π-stacked dimers with those of other materials, suggest their potential as organic n-type semiconductors. Calculations of their relative charge carrier mobilities confirmed this potential for one derivative with a long (C-14) alkyl chain appended to the polycyclic planar π-system.

Self-assembly of neutral platinum complexes possessing chiral hydrophilic TEG chains

Neutral platinum complexes that possess chiral triethylene glycol (TEG) moieties were synthesized. The platinum complexes formed helically twisted stacked assemblies in chloroform and toluene, which were studied by ¹H NMR, UV/vis spectroscopy, and emission spectroscopy. On the other hand, emissive micellar aggregates were observed in a THF/water mixed solvent. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) experiments revealed that micellar aggregates with a diameter (d) of ≈100 nm emitted strong light, whereas the monomeric form and large aggregates (d > 500 nm) did not show luminescence efficiently. Furthermore, the micellar aggregates were twisted chirally, where the twisted direction was determined by the chirality of the TEG moieties. The assemblies were observed to be solvent responsive, which allows for the modulation of the nanostructure by changing the solvent polarity.

Synthesis and derivatization of hetera-buckybowls

Buckybowls have concave and convex surfaces with distinct π-electron cloud distribution, and consequently they show unique structural and electronic features as compared to planar aromatic polycycles. Doping the π-framework of buckybowls with heteroatoms is an efficient scheme to tailor inherent properties, because the nature of heteroatoms plays a pivotal role in the structural and electronic characteristics of the resulting hetera-buckybowls. The design, synthesis, and derivatization of hetera-buckybowls open an avenue for obtaining fascinating organic entities not only of fundamental importance but also of promising applications in optoelectronics. In this review, we summarize the advances in hetera-buckybowl chemistry, particularly the synthetic strategies toward these scaffolds.

Preparation of substituted triphenylenes via nickel-mediated Yamamoto coupling

Nickel-mediated Yamamoto coupling provides a concise and efficient synthesis of triphenylene derivatives, including electron-deficient discotic mesogens.

Toward N,P-Doped π-Extended PAHs: A One-Pot Synthesis to Diannulated 1,4,2-Diazaphospholium Triflate Salts

A novel method for the one-pot synthesis of diannulated 1,4,2-diazaphospholium triflate salts by a Me₃SiOTf-mediated self-condensation of dichlorophosphaneyl aza-(poly)cyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (aza-(P)AHs; namely, pyridine, quinoline, phenanthridine, and benzo[d]thiazole) is reported. The diannulated 1,4,2-diazaphospholium triflate salts are characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, X-ray analysis, as well as their calculated NICS values, underlining their aromatic character. Quantum mechanical calculations shed light on the intermolecular reaction mechanism. Follow up chemistry, such as the halogenation reaction with XeF₂ or SO₂Cl₂ with the dipyridinium derivative selectively yields the respective dihalo-σ⁴,λ⁵- and tetrahalo-σ⁵,λ⁶-diazaphospholium triflate salts. The dihalo-σ⁴,λ⁵-diazaphospholium triflate salt serves well as a surrogate for the introduction of the cationic 2-(1,2'-bipyridin)-1-iumyl ligand (1,2'-bipyl), the monocationic structural isomer of the prototypical 2,2'-bipyridine ligand (2,2'-bipy).

Phosphorus-Containing Dibenzonaphthanthrenes: Electronic Fine Tuning of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons through Organophosphorus Chemistry

A concise synthetic route towards a new family of phosphorus-containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons starting from the versatile acridophosphine has been established. The structural and optoelectronic properties of these compounds were efficiently modulated through derivatization of the phosphorus center. X-ray crystallographic analysis, UV/Vis spectroscopic, and electrochemical studies supported by DFT calculations identified the considerable potential of these scaffolds for the development of organophosphorus functional materials with tailored properties upon further functionalization.

Thiophene-fused polyaromatics: synthesis, columnar liquid crystal, fluorescence and electrochemical properties

Efficient syntheses that incorporate thiophene units into different extended conjugation systems are of interest as a result of the prevalence of sulfur-rich aromatics in organic electronics. Self-organization by using liquid crystal properties is also desirable for optimal processing of organic electronics and optical devices. In this article, we describe a two-step process to access extended regioisomers of polyaromatics with different shapes. This method involves an efficient single or double benzannulation from an alkyne precursor followed by Scholl cyclization. In spite of their unconventional nondiscoid shape, these materials display stable columnar liquid crystal phases. We examine the photophysical and electrochemical properties and find that structurally very similar thiophene-fused polyaromatics display significant differences in their properties.

Twofold π-Extension of Polyarenes via Double and Triple Radical Alkyne peri-Annulations: Radical Cascades Converging on the Same Aromatic Core

A versatile synthetic route to distannyl-substituted polyarenes was developed via double radical peri-annulations. The cyclization precursors were equipped with propargylic OMe traceless directing groups (TDGs) for regioselective Sn-radical attack at the triple bonds. The two peri-annulations converge at a variety of polycyclic cores to yield expanded difunctionalized polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). This approach can be extended to triple peri-annulations, where annulations are coupled with a radical cascade that connects two preexisting aromatic cores via a formal C-H activation step. The installed Bu₃Sn groups serve as chemical handles for further functionalization via direct cross-coupling, iodination, or protodestannylation and increase solubility of the products in organic solvents. Photophysical studies reveal that the Bu₃Sn-substituted PAHs are moderately fluorescent, and their protodestannylation results in an up to 10-fold fluorescence quantum yield enhancement. DFT calculations identified the most likely possible mechanism of this complex chemical transformation involving two independent peri-cyclizations at the central core.

Semiconducting and electropolymerizable liquid crystalline carbazole-containing porphyrin-core dendrimers

We have successfully synthesized porphyrin-core dendrimers with peripheral carbazole moieties, which can be electrochemically crosslinked. Moreover, these dendrimers exhibit discotic nematic liquid crystal phases with high hole mobilities.

Transformation from helical to layered supramolecular organization of asymmetric perylene diimides via multiple intermolecular hydrogen bonding

The solid-state supramolecular organization of asymmetric perylene diimide is transformed from helical to layered self-assembly after thermal annealing.

Synthesis of Circumpyrene by Alkyne Benzannulation of Brominated Dibenzo[hi,st]ovalene

A transition-metal catalyzed alkyne benzannulation allowed an unprecedented synthesis of circumpyrene, starting from 3,11-dibromo-6,14-dimesityldibenzo[hi,st]ovalene (DBOV). The circumpyrene was characterized by a combination of NMR, mass spectrometry, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, revealing its multizigzag-edged structure. Two newly introduced C═C bonds in circumpyrene strongly perturbed the electronic structures of DBOV, as evidenced by increased optical and electrochemical energy gaps. This is in good agreement with an increased number of Clar's sextets as well as a decreased number of π-electrons in the conjugation pathway of circumpyrene, according to anisotropy of the induced current density (ACID) calculations. The present approach opens a new avenue to multizigzag-edged nanographenes and offers insights into their (opto)electronic properties.

Distinct Crystalline Aromatic Structural Motifs: Identification, Classification, and Implications

Spatial noncovalent helical organization of nucleobases in DNA and radial organization of chromophores in natural light-harvesting systems are fascinating yet enigmatic. Understanding the numerous weak interactions that drive the formation of elegant supramolecular architectures in native natural systems and developing bioinspired design strategies have seen a surge of interest in recent decades. Self-assembly of functional chromophores in the crystalline phase is a definitive strategy to identify novel molecule-molecule interactions, in particular, atom-atom interactions, and to understand the synergistic nature of noncovalent interactions that stabilizes the supramolecular organization. This Account narrates our recent efforts in developing desirable supramolecular motifs employing weak interaction-based strategies and our observation of deviations from the common motifs chartered in aromatic systems. Modulation of long-range aromatic interactions through chemical modifications (acylation, benzoylation, haloacylation, and alkylation of chromophores) to attain a preferred stacking (herringbone, lamellar, or columnar) is presented. Particular attention has been given to attaining lamellar or columnar packing possessing potential interchromophoric electronic coupling mediated high charge mobility. Supramolecular arrangements of noncovalently or covalently associated donor-acceptor systems that open up additional possibilities of packing modes (segregated, mixed etc.) are explored. Our persistent efforts yielded distinct twisted-segregated and alternate distichous stacks for the nonparallel covalently linked donor-acceptor systems that favor a long-lived photoinduced charge-separated state. We further move on to discuss the unconventional packing motifs that were identified recently. The highly sought-after Greek cross (+) stacking of chromophores in crystalline phase and an elegant crystalline radial arrangement of chromophores are examined. The Greek cross (+) stacked architecture exhibits monomer-like emission characteristics owing to the absence of exciton coupling across the orthogonally stacked chromophores. Crystalline helical chromophore assembly is yet another emerging motif with far-reaching applications in domains ranging from asymmetric catalysis to chiral smart materials and has been accounted here by citing certain phenomenal examples from literature. Thus, this Account demonstrates that identifying and classifying new structural motifs based on topological aspects, such as interchromophoric orientation (cross) and extended chromophore arrangement in the crystal lattice (radial, helical, etc.), are crucial since such fundamental characteristics dictate the properties emerging out of the corresponding motifs. Encouraged from ours and others' works, we propose the addition of new aromatic supramolecular structural motifs, namely, cross-stacked, helical, and radial arrangements, in order to expand the classification. We believe that identifying new emergent property-based supramolecular motifs and investigating the methods to achieve the desired motif will eventually have implications in fundamental crystal engineering, supramolecular chemistry, and biomimetic design of functional materials.

Heterocycle Effects on the Liquid Crystallinity of Terthiophene Analogues

Liquid crystalline self-assembly offers the potential to create highly ordered, uniformly aligned, and defect-free thin-film organic semiconductors. Analogues of one of the more promising classes of liquid crystal semiconductors, 5,5"-dialkyl-α-terthiophenes, were prepared in order to investigate the effects of replacing the central thiophene with either an oxadiazole or a thiadiazole ring. The phase behaviour was examined by differential scanning calorimetry, polarized optical microscopy, and variable temperature x-ray diffraction. While the oxadiazole derivative was not liquid crystalline, thiadiazole derivatives formed smectic C and soft crystal lamellar phases, and maintained lamellar order down to room temperature. Variation of the terminal alkyl chains also influenced the observed phase sequence. Single crystal structures revealed the face-to-face orientation of molecules within the layers in the solid-state, a packing motif that is rationalized based on the shape and dipole of the thiadiazole ring, as corroborated by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The solution opto-electronic properties of the systems were characterized by absorption and emission spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT).

Molecular bilayer graphene

Bilayer graphene consists of two stacked graphene layers bound together by van der Waals interaction. As the molecular analog of bilayer graphene, molecular bilayer graphene (MBLG) can offer useful insights into the structural and functional properties of bilayer graphene. However, synthesis of MBLG, which requires discrete assembly of two graphene fragments, has proved to be challenging. Here, we show the synthesis and characterization of two structurally well-defined MBLGs, both consisting of two π-π stacked nanographene sheets. We find they have excellent stability against variation of concentration, temperature and solvents. The MBLGs show sharp absorption and emission peaks, and further time-resolved spectroscopic studies reveal drastically different lifetimes for the bright and dark Davydov states in these MBLGs.

Planarization of tetracarboxamides: tuning the self-assembly of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

The geometry-dependent self-assembling features of two PAHs, 1 and 2, is reported. The more planar 1 forms H-type supramolecular polymers, in a highly cooperative fashion by combination of H-bonding and π-stacking, with rod-like morphology. However, the highly distorted 2 interacts only by means of H-bonding yielding lamellar supramolecular structures.

Nanographene and Graphene Nanoribbon Synthesis via Alkyne Benzannulations

The extension of π-conjugation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) via alkyne benzannulation reactions has become an increasingly utilized tool over the past few years. This short review will highlight recent work of alkyne benzannulations in the context of large nanographene as well as graphene nanoribbon synthesis along with a brief discussion of the interesting physical properties these molecules display.

Highly Regioselective Domino Benzannulation Reaction of Buta-1,3-diynes To Construct Irregular Nanographenes

The properties of nanographenes can be tuned by changing their shapes, therefore the development of new methods suitable for the synthesis of various nanographenes is highly desirable. Described herein is an intramolecular InCl₃ /AgNTf₂ -catalyzed regioselective domino benzannulation reaction of buta-1,3-diynes to build irregular nanographenes. Different nanographene compounds were easily obtained in moderate to high yields through careful design of the precursor compounds. This new domino reaction was successfully applied to a fourfold alkyne benzannulation of dimethoxy-1,1'-binaphthalene derivatives to arrive at novel chiral butterfly ligand precursors. The regioselectivity of the benzannulation reaction was unambiguously confirmed by X-ray crystallography. Moreover, this new method enables us to synthesize different nanographene isomers and study their optical properties as a function of shape.

Self-assembly of multi-stranded perylene dye J-aggregates in columnar liquid-crystalline phases

Many discoid dyes self-assemble into columnar liquid-crystalline (LC) phases with packing arrangements that are undesired for photonic applications due to H-type exciton coupling. Here, we report a series of crystalline and LC perylene bisimides (PBIs) self-assembling into single or multi-stranded (two, three, and four strands) aggregates with predominant J-type exciton coupling. These differences in the supramolecular packing and optical properties are achieved by molecular design variations of tetra-bay phenoxy-dendronized PBIs with two N–H groups at the imide positions. The self-assembly is driven by hydrogen bonding, slipped π–π stacking, nanosegregation, and steric requirements of the peripheral building blocks. We could determine the impact of the packing motifs on the spectroscopic properties and demonstrate different J- and H-type coupling contributions between the chromophores. Our findings on structure–property relationships and strong J-couplings in bulk LC materials open a new avenue in the molecular engineering of PBI J-aggregates with prospective applications in photonics.

Perylene bisimides (PBI) exhibit interesting photophysical and self-assembly properties but detailed understanding of the correlation between packing motif and spectroscopic properties is lacking. Here the authors report on self-assembling of PBIs in liquid crystalline phases to give aggregates with J- and H-type coupling contribution between the chromophores.

Behaviour of the XH-*-π and YX-*-π interactions (X, Y = F, Cl, Br and I) in the coronene π-system, as elucidated by QTAIM dual functional analysis with QC calculations

The dynamic and static nature of XH-*-π and YX-*-π in the coronene π-system (π(C24H12)) is elucidated by QTAIM dual functional analysis, where * emphasizes the presence of bond critical points (BCPs) in the interactions. The nature of the interactions is elucidated by analysing the plots of the total electron energy densities H b(r c) versus H b(r c) - V b(r c)/2 [=(ħ 2/8m)∇2 ρ b(r c)] for the interactions at BCPs, where V b(r c) are the potential energy densities at the BCPs. The data for the perturbed structures around the fully optimized structures are employed for the plots in addition to those of the fully optimized structures. The plots are analysed using the polar coordinate of (R, θ) for the data of the fully optimized structures, while those containing the perturbed structures are analysed using (θ p, κ p), where θ p corresponds to the tangent line of each plot and κ p is the curvature. Whereas (R, θ) show the static nature, (θ p, κ p) represent the dynamic nature of the interactions. All interactions in X-H-*-π(C24H12) (X = F, Cl, Br and I) and Y-X-*-π(C24H12) (Y-X = F-F, Cl-Cl, Br-Br, I-I, F-Cl, F-Br and F-I) are classified by pure CS (closed shell) interactions and are characterized as having the vdW nature, except for X-H = F-H and Y-X = F-Cl, F-Br and F-I, which show the typical-HB nature without covalency. The structural features of the complexes are also discussed.

Expanding the scope of peropyrenes and teropyrenes through a facile InCl3-catalyzed multifold alkyne benzannulation

Synthesizing a broad scope of peropyrenes and teropyrenes with tunable bandgaps is now possible via an InCl₃-catalyzed one-pot multifold alkyne benzannulation reaction.

Poly[(arylene ethynylene)-alt-(arylene vinylene)]s Based on Anthanthrone and Its Derivatives: Synthesis and Photophysical, Electrochemical, Electroluminescent, and Photovoltaic Properties

Anthanthrone and its derivatives are large polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) that pose a number of challenges for incorporation into the structure of soluble conjugated polymers. For the first time, this group of PACs was employed as the building blocks for the synthesis of copolymers (P1-P5) based on poly[(arylene ethynylene)-alt-(arylene vinylene)]s backbone (-Ph-C≡C-Anth-C≡C-Ph-CH=CH-Ph-CH=CH-) _n . During the synthesis of P1-P5, different alkyloxy side chains were incorporated in order to tune the properties of the polymers. Of the copolymer series only P1 (containing anthanthrone and branched 2-ethylhexyloxy side chains on phenylenes), P2 and P3 (for which the anthanthrones containing carbonyl groups were converted to anthanthrene containing alkyloxy substituents) were soluble. The photophysical, electrochemical, electroluminescent and photovoltaic properties of P1-P3 are reported, compared and discussed with respect to the effects of side chains.