Survey of recent advances of in the field of π-conjugated heterocyclic azomethines as materials with tuneable properties

Electrochemical and Optical Properties of D-A-A-A-D Azomethine Triad and Its NIR-Active Polymer

The azomethine TPA-(BTZ)3-TPA with a donor-acceptor-acceptor-acceptor-donor structure has been synthesized and characterized. Azomethine TPA-(BTZ)3-TPA exhibited luminescence properties and a positive solvatochromic effect. Electropolymerization on terminated triphenylamine groups was used to obtain a thin layer of the polyazomethine poly-[TPA-(BTZ)3-TPA]. Further investigation of oxidation/reduction properties of poly-[TPA-(BTZ)3-TPA] via cyclic voltammetry showed that the polymer undergoes two reversible oxidation/reduction processes due to the presence of tetraphenylbenzidine moieties. Electrochromic properties of the polyazomethine poly-[TPA-(BTZ)3-TPA] were investigated via spectroelectrochemistry. It was observed that the polymer in its neutral state is orange, and the color changes to green upon electro-oxidation. The stability of the polymer during multiple oxidation/reduction cycles, response times, and coloration efficiency were also investigated.

Polynaphthylimide–Azomethines Containing Triphenylamine or Carbazole Moieties with Tuned Optoelectronic Properties through Molecular Design

Polyazomethines containing electron-donor triphenylamine (TPA) or carbazole (Cbz) and electron-acceptor naphthyl(di)imide were synthesized and investigated with regard to thermal, optical and electronic features, with a focus on their modulation by molecular design. The polycondesation of an imido-based diamine with a Cbz- or TPA-based dialdehyde led to donor-acceptor polymers with good thermostability, up to 318 °C. These displayed good solubility in organic solvents, which enabled easy polymer processability in thin films with different molecular assemblies. The molecular order improved the charge carrier’s mobility, with a direct impact on the bandgap energy. The optical properties studied by UV–Vis absorption and fluorescence experiments showed solvent-dependence, characteristic for donor-acceptor systems. The structural parameters exerted a strong influence on the light-emissive behavior, with the prevalence of intrinsic or intramolecular charge transfer fluorescence contingent on the donor-acceptor strength and polymer geometry. All polymers showed good electroactivity, supporting both electrons and holes transport. The exchange of Cbz with TPA proved to be an efficient tool with which to decrease the bandgap energy, while that of naphthyl(di)imide with bis(naphthylimide) was beneficial for fluorescence enhancement. This study may contribute to a deeper understanding of the physico-chemistry of electronic materials so as to make them more competitive in the newest energy-related or other optoelectronic devices.

Synthesis and Characterization of New Conjugated Azomethines End-Capped with Amino-thiophene-3,4-dicarboxylic Acid Diethyl Ester

A new series of thiophene-based azomethines differing in the core structure was synthesized. The effect of the central core structure in azomethines on the thermal, optical and electrochemical properties was investigated. The obtained compounds exhibited the ability to form a stable amorphous phase with a high glass transition temperature above 100 °C. They were electrochemically active and undergo oxidation and reduction processes. The highest occupied (HOMO) and the lowest unoccupied molecular (LUMO) orbitals were in the range of −3.86–−3.60 eV and −5.46–−5.17 eV, respectively, resulting in a very low energy band gap below 1.7 eV. Optical investigations were performed in the solvents with various polarity and in the solid state as a thin film deposited on a glass substrate. The synthesized imines absorbed radiation from 350 to 600 nm, depending on its structure and showed weak emission with a photoluminescence quantum yield below 2.5%. The photophysical investigations were supported by theoretical calculations using the density functional theory. The synthesized imines doped with lithium bis-(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide were examined as hole transporting materials (HTM) in hybrid inorganic-organic perovskite solar cells. It was found that both a volume of lithium salt and core imine structure significantly impact device performance. The best power conversion efficiency (PCE), being about 35–63% higher compared to other devices, exhibited cells based on the imine containing a core tiphenylamine unit.

Synthesis and Characterization of Vanillin-Based π-Conjugated Polyazomethines and Their Oligomer Model Compounds

The synthesis of π-conjugated polymers via an environmentally friendly procedure is generally challenging. Herein, we describe the synthesis of divanillin-based polyazomethines, which are derived from a potentially bio-based monomer. The polymerization is performed in 5 min under microwave irradiation without any metallic catalyst, with water as the only by-product. The vanillin-based polyazomethines were characterized by SEC, TGA, and UV-Vis spectroscopy. Model compounds were designed and characterized by X-ray diffraction and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The structure/properties study of vanillin-based azomethines used as models allowed us to unequivocally confirm the E configuration and to highlight the cross-conjugated nature of divanillin-based polymers.

End-group functionalization of a conjugated azomethine with ureas for property tailoring

A conjugated azomethine end-capped with phenyl-ureas was prepared by a convergent approach. Hydrogen bonding with the ureas was confirmed and the spectroscopic properties could be enhanced with the supramolecular bonds.

UV-Vis Absorption Properties of New Aromatic Imines and Their Compositions with Poly({4,8-bis[(2-Ethylhexyl)oxy]Benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b']Dithiophene-2,6-diyl}{3-Fluoro-2-[(2-Ethylhexyl)Carbonyl]Thieno[3,4-b]Thiophenediyl})

In this paper, four new aromatic imines containing at least one thiazole-based heterocycle were analyzed in detail by UV-Vis spectroscopy, taking into consideration their chemical structures and interactions with PTB7, a known polymeric electron donor widely used in bulk heterojunction organic solar cells. It is demonstrated that the absorption spectra of the investigated active compositions can be modified not only by changing the chemical structure of imine, but also via formulations with PTB7. For all investigated imines and PTB7:imine compositions, calibration curves were obtained in order to find the optimum concentration in the composition with PTB7 for expansion and optimization of absorption spectra. All imines and PTB7:imine compositions were investigated in 1,2-dichlorobenzene by UV-Vis spectroscopy in various concentrations, monitoring the changes in the π-π* and n-π* transitions. With increasing imine concentrations, we did not observe changes in absorption maxima, while with increasing imine concentrations, a hypochromic effect was observed. Finally, we could conclude that all investigated compositions exhibited wide absorptions of up to 800 nm and isosbestic points in the range of 440-540 nm, confirming changes in the macromolecular organization of the tested compounds. The theoretical calculations of their vibration spectra (FTIR) and LUMO-HOMO levels by Density Functional Theory (DFT) methods are also provided. Finally, IR thermal images were measured for organic devices based on imines and the imine:PTB7 composite.

Crystal structure of diethyl 2-amino-5-{4-[bis-(4-methyl-phen-yl)amino]-benzamido}-thio-phene-3,4-di-carboxyl-ate

In the title compound, C31H31N3O5S, the regioselective substitution of the thio-phene is confirmed with the amine and the amide at the 2- and 5-positions, respectively. In the mol-ecule, the thio-phene ring is twisted by 12.82 (3)° with respect to the aromatic ring of the benzamido group. Intra-molecular N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds are present involving the N atoms of the primary amine and the amide groups, forming S(6) ring motifs. In the crystal, centrosymmetrically related mol-ecules are linked by pairs of N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds involving the amide carbonyl O atoms and the primary amine N atoms to form dimers of R 2 2(16) ring motif.

2-Hydroxy-N'-((Thiophene-2-yl)methylene)benzohydrazide: Ultrasound-Assisted Synthesis and Corrosion Inhibition Study

2-Hydroxy-N'-((thiophene-2-yl)methylene)benzohydrazide (HTMBH) was synthesized by conventional method as well as by ultrasonication (US). The ultrasound-assisted synthesis of HTMBH was found to have good yield and be more eco-friendly compared to the conventional method of synthesis. The synthesized compound HTMBH was characterized by Fourier transform infrared, 1H NMR, and CHN analyses. The corrosion inhibition behavior of HTMBH was investigated using gravimetric and electrochemical methods in 0.5 M H2SO4. The thermodynamic adsorption parameters revealed that HTMBH was adsorbed on the mild steel surface in both ways, physically and chemically, although physisorption is predominant. The study of activation parameters revealed that it is the increase in activation energy that is a prominent factor to lower the corrosion rate in acid medium. Atomic force microscopy analysis is also carried out to investigate the effect of HTMBH on the surface of mild steel surface in acid solution. The contact angle measurement showed decreased affinity of mild steel surface for acid solution containing HTMBH. The results obtained from all of these methods showed good consistency.

Green synthesis and corrosion inhibition study of 2-amino-N′-((thiophen-2-yl)methylene)benzohydrazide

2-Amino-N′-((thiophen-2-yl)methylene)benzohydrazide (ATMBH) was synthesized by a conventional method, as well as by microwave (MW) irradiation.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons connected with Schiff base linkers: Experimental and theoretical photophysical characterization and electrochemical properties

A series of polyaromatic hydrocarbons with anthracene, phenanthrene and pyrene units connected with Schiff base junctions were synthesized via condensation of p-phenylenediamine and hydrazine with selected aldehydes. The effect of both hydrocarbon structures and presence of N-N- or phenyl- linked diimines on properties of the prepared azines and azomethines was analyzed. The obtained compounds were soluble in common organic solvents and melted in the range of 226-317°C. Their photophysical and electrochemical properties were investigated by UV-vis, photoluminescence spectroscopies and cyclic voltammetry (CV), respectively. Moreover, a density functional theory (DFT) was applied for calculation of their electronic and geometric structures as well as absorption and emission spectra. Additionally, their electron acceptor activity was preliminary tested in photovoltaic experiment.

Ambipolar azomethines as potential cathodic color switching materials

The electrochemical oxidation and reduction reversibility along with the electrochemically mediated color change of triad azomethines were contingent on the central aromatic.

Hydrogen-Bond and Supramolecular-Contact Mediated Fluorescence Enhancement of Electrochromic Azomethines

An electronic push-pull fluorophore consisting of an intrinsically fluorescent central fluorene capped with two diaminophenyl groups was prepared. An aminothiophene was conjugated to the two flanking diphenylamines through a fluorescent quenching azomethine bond. X-ray crystallographic analysis confirmed that the fluorophore formed multiple intermolecular supramolecular bonds. It formed two hydrogen bonds involving a terminal amine, resulting in an antiparallel supramolecular dimer. Hydrogen bonding was also confirmed by FTIR and NMR spectroscopic analyses, and further validated theoretically by DFT calculations. Intrinsic fluorescence quenching modes could be reduced by intermolecular supramolecular contacts. These contacts could be engaged at high concentrations and in thin films, resulting in fluorescence enhancement. The fluorescence of the fluorophore could also be restored to an intensity similar to its azomethine-free counterpart with the addition of water in >50 % v/v in tetrahydrofuran (THF), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and acetonitrile. The fluorophore also exhibited reversible oxidation and its color could be switched between yellow and blue when oxidized. Reversible electrochemically mediated fluorescence turn-off on turn-on was also possible.

Organic–inorganic hybrid nanomaterials based on inorganic oxides and a mesomorphic polyazomethine

Organic–inorganic hybrid materials have been obtained by impregnating a mesomorphic polyazomethine into a porous inorganic matrix of zinc oxide (ZnO), tin dioxide (SnO2), or mixed ZnO/SnO2. The porous inorganic matrix has been obtained by magnetron sputtering technique and proved a very high crystallinity degree. The resulting hybrid materials were characterized from morphological and optical points of view by scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and ultraviolet-visible and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The inorganic matrix itself exhibited a highly rough surface, which became smoother after polymer impregnation, indicating its complete coverage. The violet emission of the separate inorganic and organic components turned into a blue and green light emission, respectively, of the hybrid materials, suggesting the possibility to modulate the color of emitted light by the simple choice of the inorganic matrix. Considerations with regard of interface phenomena that prompted the photophysical changes of the hybrid materials were done.

Towards electrochromic devices having visible color switching using electronic push-push and push-pull cinnamaldehyde derivatives

A series of symmetric and unsymmetric conjugated azomethines derived from cinnamaldehyde and 2,5-diaminothiophene-3,4-dicarboxylic acid diethyl ester were prepared. The optical, electrochemical, and spectroelectrochemical properties of the electronic push-pull and push-push triads were investigated. Their properties could be tuned contingent on the cinnamaldehyde's electron withdrawing and donating substituents. The push-push symmetric derivative exhibited positive solvatochromism with the absorbance spanning some 31 nm, depending on the solvent polarity. Solvent dependent spectroelectrochemistry was also found for the symmetric push-push azomethine. The color of the neutral state and radical cation spanned 215 nm. The most pronounced color transition of the purple colored material was found in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), where the color bleached with electrochemical oxidation. This was a result of the absorbance shifting into the near infrared (NIR) and not from decomposition of the azomethine. Electrochromic devices with the azomethines possessing desired reversible oxidation and color changes in the visible were fabricated and tested to demonstrate the applicability of these azomethine triads in devices.

The six-membered-ring azomethine N-((E)-{5-[(E)-(pyridin-3-ylimino)methyl]thiophen-2-yl}methylidene)pyridin-3-amine

The title compound, C16H12N4S, forms a three-dimensional layered network structure via intermolecular hydrogen bonding and π-stacking. The azomethine molecule adopts the thermodynamically stable E regioisomer and the pyridine substituents are antiperiplanar. The mean planes of the pyridine rings and the azomethine group to which they are connected are twisted by 27.27 (5) and 33.60 (5)°. The electrochemical energy gap of 2.3 eV based on the HOMO-LUMO energy difference is in agreement with the spectroscopically derived value.

Insight into the isoelectronic character of azomethines and vinylenes using representative models: a spectroscopic and electrochemical study

A series of azomethine and vinylene dyad and triad analogues were prepared. Their absorbance, fluorescence, and redox properties were examined experimentally and theoretically using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. These measurements were done to determine the effect of the heteroatom of the azomethine relative to its all-carbon counterpart and to assess the isoelectronic character of the two bonds. The orientation of the azomethine was found to have little effect on the absorbance, fluorescence, and electrochemical properties. In contrast, the spectral and electrochemical properties were highly contingent on the electronic groups and degree of conjugation. The spectral properties could be tuned 200 nm across the visible region. More importantly, the heteroatom in the conjugated bond was found to give rise to only a 20 nm bathochromic shift in the absorbance and fluorescence spectra. The fluorescence quantum yield (ΦFl) of the vinylene derivatives varied between 5% and 20% with fluorescence quenching occurring by photoisomerization from the E to Z isomers. In contrast, the fluorescence of the analogous azomethine derivatives was completely quenched. The collective spectroscopic and electrochemical ab initio DFT data additionally confirmed that the azomethine and its analogous vinylene are isoelectronic. It was also found that a conjugated thiophene vinylene dyad with primary amines in the α,α'-positions could be prepared and isolated. The compound was stable under aerobic conditions providing electron withdrawing (either ester or nitrile) groups were located in the adjacent positions.