Odd [n]Cumulenes (n = 3, 5, 7, 9): Synthesis, Characterization, and Reactivity

Regioselective Condensation Polymerization of Propargylic Electrophiles Enabled by Catalytic Element-Cupration

Here, we report a set of new polymerization reactions enabled by the 1,2-regioselective hydro- and silylcupration of enyne-type propargylic electrophiles. Highly regioregular head-to-tail poly(2-butyne-1,4-diyl)s (HT-PBD), bearing either methyl or silylmethyl side chains, are synthesized for the first time. A rapid entry into carbon-rich copolymers with adjustable silicon content is developed via in situ monomer bifurcation. Furthermore, a one-pot polymerization/semireduction sequence is developed to access a cis-poly(butadiene)-derived backbone by a ligand swap on copper hydride species. Interestingly, borocupration, typically exhibiting identical regioselectivity with its hydro- and silyl analogues, seems to proceed in a 3,4-selective manner. Computational studies suggest the possible role of the propargylic leaving group in this selectivity switch. This work presents a new class of regioregular sp-carbon-rich polymers and meanwhile a novel approach to organosilicon materials.

From Stilbenes to carbo-Stilbenes: an Encouraging Prospect

Beyond previously described carbo-naphthalene and carbo-biphenyl, a novel type of bis-carbo-benzenic molecules is envisaged from the stilbene parent. The synthesis, structure, spectroscopic and electrochemical properties of two such carbo-stilbenes are described at complementary experimental and computational DFT levels. In the selected targets, the bare skeletal carbo-mer of carbo-stilbene is decorated by 8 or 10 phenyl groups, 0 or 2 tert-butyl groups, and 2 n-octyl chains, the later substituents being introduced to compensate anticipated solubility issues. As in the parent stilbene series, isomers of the phenylated carbo-stilbenes are characterized. The cis- and trans-isomers are, however, formed in almost equal amounts and could not be separated by either chromatography or crystallization. Nevertheless, due to a slow interconversion at the NMR time scale (up to 55 °C) the 1H NMR signals of both isomers of the two carbo-stilbenes could be tentatively assigned. The calculated structure of the cis-isomer exhibits a helical shape, consistent with the observed magnetic shielding of phenyl p-CH nuclei residing inside the shielding cone of the facing C18 ring. The presence of the two isomers in solution also gives rise to quite broad UV-vis absorption spectra with main bands at ca 460, 560 and 710 nm, and a significant bathochromic shift for the decaphenylated carbo-stilbene vs the di-tert-butyl-octaphenylated counterpart. Square wave voltammograms do not show any resolution of the two isomers, giving a reversible reduction wave at -0.65 or -0.58 V/SCE, and an irreversible oxidation peak at 1.11 V/SCE, those values being classical for most carbo-benzene derivatives. Calculated NICS values (NICS(1)=-12.5±0.2 ppm) also indicate that the aromatic nature of the C18 rings is not markedly affected by the dialkynylbutatriene (DAB) connector between them.

Bending a Cumulene with Electrons: Stepwise Chemical Reduction and Structural Study of a Tetraaryl[4]Cumulene

Chemical reduction of a [4]cumulene with cesium metal was explored, and the structural changes stemming from electron acquisition are detailed using X-ray crystallography. It is found that the [4]cumulene undergoes dramatic geometric changes upon stepwise reduction, including bending of the cumulenic core and twisting of the endgroups from orthogonal to planar. The structural deformation is consistent with early theoretical reports that suggest that the twisting should occur upon reduction of both even and odd [n]cumulenes. The current results, on the other hand, are inconsistent with a previous experimental study of a [3]cumulene in which the predicted twisting is not observed upon reduction. DFT calculations reveal that the barrier to deformation is an order of magnitude lower in a [3]cumulene than a [4]cumulene, allowing the barrier to be overcome in the solid-state.

Understanding Current Density in Molecules Using Molecular Orbitals

While the use of molecular orbitals (MOs) and their isosurfaces to explain physical phenomena in chemical systems is a time-honored tool, we show that the nodes are an equally important component for understanding the current density through single-molecule junctions. We investigate three different model systems consisting of an alkane, alkene, and even [n]cumulene and show that we can explain the form of the current density using the MOs of the molecule. Essentially, the MOs define the region in which current can flow and their gradients define the direction in which current flows within that region. We also show that it is possible to simplify the current density for improved understanding by either partitioning the current density into more chemically intuitive parts, such as σ- and π-systems, or by filtering out MOs with negligible contributions to the overall current density. Our work highlights that it is possible to infer a non-equilibrium property (current density) given only equilibrium properties (MOs and their gradients), and this, in turn, grants deeper insight into coherent electron transport.

Conjugated [5]Cumulene Polymers Enabled by Condensation Polymerization of Propargylic Electrophiles

Cumulenes, sp-hybridized carbon motifs featuring consecutive double bonds, have rarely been explored as π-elements for conjugated polymers. Long cumulenic conjugated polymers can serve as models for approaching carbyne, an intriguing yet elusive carbon allotrope. However, their synthesis is notoriously difficult due to intrinsic instability. To date, only few [3]cumulene-based polymers have been synthesized, mostly relying on surface chemistry. Higher cumulene-based polymers remain unknown. Here, we present a "meet in the middle" strategy to overcome this challenge and synthesize high-molecular-weight, stable, and solution-processable conjugated [5]cumulene polymers (Mw up to 67.9 kg/mol). Our approach involves a new polymerization method called step-growth condensation polymerization of propargylic electrophiles (step-growth CPPE). The structures and molecular weights of the cumulenic polymers are established by various spectroscopic methods, including a comparative analysis of a discrete oligomer series. By introducing ortho-substituents on the aryl side groups, we successfully address the stability-conjugation dilemma. Electronic communication between cumulene units is found to be contingent upon the aromaticity of the π-spacers, enabling flexible energy-level adjustment and new narrow band gap polymers. The synthetic methodology and structure-property relationship established in this work serve as the starting points for the exploration of this fascinating family of sp-carbon-rich materials.

Electroreductive Radical Borylation of Unactivated (Hetero)Aryl Chlorides Without Light by Using Cumulene-Based Redox Mediators

Single-electron transfer (SET) plays a critical role in many chemical processes, from organic synthesis to environmental remediation. However, the selective reduction of inert substrates (Ep/2 <-2 V vs Fc/Fc+ ), such as ubiquitous electron-neutral and electron-rich (hetero)aryl chlorides, remains a major challenge. Current approaches largely rely on catalyst photoexcitation to reach the necessary deeply reducing potentials or suffer from limited substrate scopes. Herein, we demonstrate that cumulenes-organic molecules with multiple consecutive double bonds-can function as catalytic redox mediators for the electroreductive radical borylation of (hetero)aryl chlorides at relatively mild cathodic potentials (approximately -1.9 V vs. Ag/AgCl) without the need for photoirradiation. Electrochemical, spectroscopic, and computational studies support that step-wise electron transfer from reduced cumulenes to electron-neutral chloroarenes is followed by thermodynamically favorable mesolytic cleavage of the aryl radical anion to generate the desired aryl radical intermediate. Our findings will guide the development of other sustainable, purely electroreductive radical transformations of inert molecules using organic redox mediators.

Two-Dimensional Crystal Transition from Radialene to Cumulene on Ag(111) via Retro-[2 + 1] Cycloaddition

Two-dimensional (2D) crystal-to-crystal transition is an important method in crystal engineering because of its ability to directly create diverse crystal materials from one crystal. However, steering a 2D single-layer crystal-to-crystal transition on surfaces with high chemo- and stereoselectivity under ultra-high vacuum conditions is a great challenge because the transition is a complex dynamic process. Here, we report a highly chemoselective 2D crystal transition from radialene to cumulene with retention of stereoselectivity on Ag(111) via retro-[2 + 1] cycloaddition of three-membered carbon rings and directly visualize the transition process involving a stepwise epitaxial growth mechanism by the combination of scanning tunneling microscopy and non-contact atomic force microscopy. Using progression annealing, we found that isocyanides on Ag(111) at a low annealing temperature underwent sequential [1 + 1 + 1] cycloaddition and enantioselective molecular recognition based on C-H···Cl hydrogen bonding interactions to form 2D triaza[3]radialene crystals. In contrast, a higher annealing temperature induced the transformation of triaza[3]radialenes to generate trans-diaza[3]cumulenes, which were further assembled into 2D cumulene-based crystals through twofold N-Ag-N coordination and C-H···Cl hydrogen bonding interactions. By combining the observed distinct transient intermediates and density functional theory calculations, we demonstrate that the retro-[2 + 1] cycloaddition reaction proceeds via the ring opening of a three-membered carbon ring, sequential dechlorination/hydrogen passivation, and deisocyanation. Our findings provide new insights into the growth mechanism and dynamics of 2D crystals and have implications for controllable crystal engineering.

Anti-ohmic nanoconductors: myth, reality and promise

The recent accomplishment in the design of molecular nanowires characterized by increasing conductance with length has led to the origin of an extraordinary new family of molecular junctions referred to as "anti-ohmic" wires. Herein, this highly desirable, non-classical behavior, has been examined for molecules long-enough to exhibit pronounced diradical character in their ground state within the unrestricted DFT formalism with spin symmetry breaking. We demonstrate that highly conjugated acenes signal higher resistance in an open-shell singlet (OSS) configuration as compared to their closed-shell counterparts. This anomaly has been further proven for experimentally certified cumulene wires, which reveals phenomenal modulation in the transport characteristics such that an increasing conductance is observed in the closed-shell limit, while higher cumulenes in the OSS ground state yield regular decay of conductance.

Stable and Solution-Processable Cumulenic sp-Carbon Wires: A New Paradigm for Organic Electronics

Solution-processed, large-area, and flexible electronics largely relies on the excellent electronic properties of sp² -hybridized carbon molecules, either in the form of π-conjugated small molecules and polymers or graphene and carbon nanotubes. Carbon with sp-hybridization, the foundation of the elusive allotrope carbyne, offers vast opportunities for functionalized molecules in the form of linear carbon atomic wires (CAWs), with intriguing and even superior predicted electronic properties. While CAWs represent a vibrant field of research, to date, they have only been applied sparingly to molecular devices. The recent observation of the field-effect in microcrystalline cumulenes suggests their potential applications in solution-processed thin-film transistors but concerns surrounding the stability and electronic performance have precluded developments in this direction. In the present study, ideal field-effect characteristics are demonstrated for solution-processed thin films of tetraphenyl[3]cumulene, the shortest semiconducting CAW. Films are deposited through a scalable, large-area, meniscus-coating technique, providing transistors with hole mobilities in excess of 0.1 cm²  V^-1  s^-1 , as well as promising operational stability under dark conditions. These results offer a solid foundation for the exploitation of a vast class of molecular semiconductors for organic electronics based on sp-hybridized carbon systems and create a previously unexplored paradigm.

Copper-Catalyzed Formal Dehydration Polymerization of Propargylic Alcohols via Cumulene Intermediates

Here we report a copper-catalyzed formal dehydration polymerization of propargylic alcohols. Copper catalysis allows for efficient in situ generation of [n]cumulenes (n = 3, 5) by a soft deprotonation/β-elimination pathway and subsequent polymerization via organocopper species. Alkyne polymers (M_n up to 36.2 kg/mol) were produced with high efficiency (up to 95% yield) and excellent functional group tolerance. One-pot synthesis of semiconducting head-to-head poly(phenylacetylene) was demonstrated through a polymerization-isomerization sequence.

A Peierls Transition in Long Polymethine Molecular Wires: Evolution of Molecular Geometry and Single-Molecule Conductance

Molecules capable of mediating charge transport over several nanometers with minimal decay in conductance have fundamental and technological implications. Polymethine cyanine dyes are fascinating molecular wires because up to a critical length, they have no bond-length alternation (BLA) and their electronic structure resembles a one-dimensional free-electron gas. Beyond this threshold, they undergo a symmetry-breaking Peierls transition, which increases the HOMO-LUMO gap. We have investigated cationic cyanines with central polymethine chains of 5-13 carbon atoms (Cy3⁺-Cy11⁺). The absorption spectra and crystal structures show that symmetry breaking is sensitive to the polarity of the medium and the size of the counterion. X-ray crystallography reveals that Cy9·PF₆ and Cy11·B(C₆F₅)₄ are Peierls distorted, with high BLA at one end of the π-system, away from the partially delocalized positive charge. This pattern of BLA distribution resembles that of solitons in polyacetylene. The single-molecule conductance is essentially independent of molecular length for the polymethine salts of Cy3⁺-Cy11⁺ with the large B(C₆F₅)₄^- counterion, but with the PF₆^- counterion, the conductance decreases for the longer molecules, Cy7⁺-Cy11⁺, because this smaller anion polarizes the π-system, inducing a symmetry-breaking transition. At higher bias (0.9 V), the conductance of the shorter chains, Cy3⁺-Cy7⁺, increases with length (negative attenuation factor, β = -1.6 nm^-1), but the conductance still drops in Cy9⁺ and Cy11⁺ with the small polarizing PF₆^- counteranion.

Media-Driven Pd-Catalyzed Reaction Cascades with 1,3-Diynamides Leading Selectively to Either Indoles or Quinolines

Divergent Pd-catalyzed reaction cascades with various 1,3-diynamides yielding either 2-amino-3-alkynylindoles or 2-amino-4-alkenylquinolines were established. Omitting or adding TBAF (tetrabutylammonium fluoride) to the reaction of N,N-(2-iodophenyl)(4-toluenesulfonyl)-1,3-diynamides with secondary or primary amines in the presence of KOH in THF and catalytic amounts of Pd(PPh₃ )₄ completely changed the outcome of the reaction. In the absence of TBAF, 2-amino-3-alkynylindoles were the sole products, while the presence of TBAF switched the product formation to 2-amino-4-alkenylquinolines. Deuterium labeling proceeded selectively at the C3 and C11 positions of the 2-amino-4-alkenylquinoline products and this suggests the unprecedented formation of [4]cumulenimines from 1,3-diynamides as reactive key intermediates.

Quantification of the Helicality of Helical Molecular Orbitals

The frontier molecular orbital (MO) topology of linear carbon molecules, such as polyynes, can be visually identified as helices. However, there is no clear way to quantify the helical curvature of these π-MOs, and it is thus challenging to quantify correlations between the helical curvature and molecular properties. In this paper, we develop a method that enables us to compute the helical curvature of MOs based on their nodal planes. Using this method, we define a robust way of quantifying the helical nature of MOs (helicality) by their deviation from a perfect helix. We explore several limiting cases, including polyynes, metallacumulenes, cyclic allenes, and spiroconjugated systems, where the change in helical curvature is subtle yet clearly highlighted with this method. For example, we show that strain only has a minor effect on the helicality of the frontier orbitals of cycloallenes and that the MOs of spiroconjugated systems are close to perfect helices around the spiro-carbon. Our work provides a well-defined method for assessing orbital helicality beyond visual inspection of MO isosurfaces, thus paving the way for future studies of how the helicality of π-MOs affects molecular properties.

Spin-Spin Interactions in One-Dimensional Assemblies of a Cumulene-Based Singlet Biradical

The synthesis of phenalenyl-endcapped [5]cumulene as a cumulene-based singlet biradical and the spin correlation changes of one-dimensional aggregates are described. The high propensity for self-aggregation of phenalenyl rings and the introduction of bulky substituents into the appropriate positions led to the formation of a one-dimensional chain assembly. Single-crystal X-ray structural analysis indicated that the bond length alternation of the cumulene chain increased with decreasing temperature, along with improved overlapping of the phenalenyl rings. Variable-temperature Raman spectroscopy and magnetic susceptibility measurements revealed that a localized spin pair within the molecule decouples at low temperatures, and a continuum spin system involving intra- and intermolecular spin-spin interactions emerges in the one-dimensional chain.

Magnetic Modulation in Heteroallene and Heterocumulene Based tert-butyl Nitroxide Diradicals: Spin Delocalization and Conformation Play Crucial Roles

We have theoretically investigated the magnetic properties of heteroallene (>C=C=X-) and heterocumulene (>C=C=C=X-) based tert-butyl nitroxide diradicals (X is P/As). Calculation of magnetic exchange coupling constant (J) shows ferromagnetic interaction in heteroallene based diradicals. Whereas, in heterocumulene based diradicals, tuning of J value from antiferro- to ferro-magnetic state is observed from Z- to E- isomer. Delocalization of spin density from radical site to the coupler (in planar arrangement) is observed in spin distribution analysis which is also advocated by molecular orbital analysis. The typical feature of tert-butyl nitroxide radical creates spin delocalization along with spin polarization within the coupler. The J values of all the diradicals strongly depend on the dihedral angle between radical center and coupler. Magneto-structural correlation shows that the change in dihedral angle tunes the magnetic property for both the Z- and E- isomers of heterocumulenes depending on the spin accumulation on two nearby magnetic centers. The extent of spin delocalization and conformation of spin centers on the molecular axis are important for the different J values observed in our designed systems.

Selectivity for Alkynyl or Allenyl Imidamides and Imidates in Copper-Catalyzed Reactions of Terminal 1,3-Diynes and Azides

Copper-catalyzed reactions of terminal 1,3-diynes with electron-deficient azides to generate either 3-alkynyl or 2,3-dienyl imidamides and imidates are described. The selectivity depends on the diyne substituents and the nucleophile that reacts with the ketenimide intermediate generated from the corresponding triazole precursor. Reactions of 1,3-diynes containing a propargylic acetate afford [3]cumulenyl imidamides, while reactions using methanol as the trapping agent selectively generate 2,3-dienyl imidates. Five-membered heterocycles were obtained from 1,3-diynes containing a homopropargylic hydroxyl or amine substituent.

Helical electronic transitions of spiroconjugated molecules

The π–π* transitions of disubstituted spiropentadiene become helical due to mixing of its two perpendicular π-systems. The helicity is symmetry-protected and gives rise to experimentally observable effects, such as optical activity.

Mechanically Interlocked Nitrogenated Nanographenes

Herein, we report the synthesis of mechanically interlocked nitrogenated nanographenes. These systems have been obtained by clipping different tetralactam macrocycles around a 1.9 nm dumbbell-shaped nitrogenated nanographene. Thermal, optoelectronic, and electrochemical characterization of the different mechanically interlocked nanographenes evidence enhanced thermal and photochemical stability, and also absorption and emission properties that vary with the structure of the macrocycle.

Cumulene Wires Display Increasing Conductance with Increasing Length

One-dimensional sp-hybridized carbon wires, including cumulenes and polyynes, can be regarded as finite versions of carbynes. They are likely to be good candidates for molecular-scale conducting wires as they are predicted to have a high-conductance. In this study, we first characterize the single-molecule conductance of a series of cumulenes and polyynes with a backbone ranging in length from 4 to 8 carbon atoms, including [7]cumulene, the longest cumulenic carbon wire studied to date for molecular electronics. We observe different length dependence of conductance when comparing these two forms of carbon wires. Polyynes exhibit conductance decays with increasing molecular length, while cumulenes show a conductance increase with increasing molecular length. Their distinct conducting behaviors are attributed to their different bond length alternation, which is supported by theoretical calculations. This study confirms the long-standing theoretical predictions on sp-hybridized carbon wires and demonstrates that cumulenes can form highly conducting molecular wires.

Stabilization of Linear C3 by Two Donor Ligands: A Theoretical Study of L-C3 -L (L=PPh3 , NHCMe , cAACMe )*

Quantum chemical studies using density functional theory and ab initio methods have been carried out for the molecules L-C3 -L with L=PPh3 (1), NHCMe (2, NHC=N-heterocyclic carbene), and cAACMe (3, cAAC=cyclic (alkyl)(amino) carbene). The calculations predict that 1 and 2 have equilibrium geometries where the ligands are bonded with rather acute bonding angles at the linear C3 moiety. The phosphine adduct 1 has a synclinal (gauche) conformation whereas 2 exhibits a trans conformation of the ligands. In contrast, the compound 3 possesses a nearly linear arrangement of the carbene ligands at the C3 fragment. The bond dissociation energies of the ligands have the order 1<2<3. The bonding analysis using charge and energy decomposition methods suggests that 3 is best described as a cumulene with electron-sharing double bonds between neutral fragments (cAACMe )2 and C3 in the respective electronic quintet state yielding (cAACMe )=C3 =(cAACMe ). In contrast, 1 and 2 possess electron-sharing and dative bonds between positively charged ligands [(PPh3 )2 ]+ or [(NHCMe )2 ]+ and negatively charged [C3 ]- fragments in the respective doublet state.

Hole Transfer in Open Carbynes

We investigate hole transfer in open carbynes, i.e., carbon atomic nanowires, using Real-Time Time-Dependent Density Functional Theory (RT-TDDFT). The nanowire is made of N carbon atoms. We use the functional B3LYP and the basis sets 3-21G, 6-31G*, cc-pVDZ, cc-pVTZ, cc-pVQZ. We also utilize a few Tight-Binding (TB) wire models, a very simple model with all sites equivalent and transfer integrals given by the Harrison ppπ expression (TBI) as well as a model with modified initial and final sites (TBImod) to take into account the presence of one or two or three hydrogen atoms at the edge sites. To achieve similar site occupations in cumulenes with those obtained by converged RT-TDDFT, TBImod is sufficient. However, to achieve similar frequency content of charge and dipole moment oscillations and similar coherent transfer rates, the TBImod transfer integrals have to be multiplied by a factor of four (TBImodt4times). An explanation for this is given. Full geometry optimization at the B3LYP/6-31G* level of theory shows that in cumulenes bond length alternation (BLA) is not strictly zero and is not constant, although it is symmetrical relative to the molecule center. BLA in cumulenic cases is much smaller than in polyynic cases, so, although not strictly, the separation to cumulenes and polyynes, approximately, holds. Vibrational analysis confirms that for N even all cumulenes with coplanar methylene end groups are stable, for N odd all cumulenes with perpendicular methylene end groups are stable, and the number of hydrogen atoms at the end groups is clearly seen in all cumulenic and polyynic cases. We calculate and discuss the Density Functional Theory (DFT) ground state energy of neutral molecules, the CDFT (Constrained DFT) "ground state energy" of molecules with a hole at one end group, energy spectra, density of states, energy gap, charge and dipole moment oscillations, mean over time probabilities to find the hole at each site, coherent transfer rates, and frequency content, in general. We also compare RT-TDDFT with TB results.

On-Surface Synthesis of Cumulene-Containing Polymers via Two-Step Dehalogenative Homocoupling of Dibromomethylene-Functionalized Tribenzoazulene

Cumulene compounds are notoriously difficult to prepare and study because their reactivity increases dramatically with the increasing number of consecutive double bonds. In this respect, the emerging field of on-surface synthesis provides exceptional opportunities because it relies on reactions on clean metal substrates under well-controlled ultrahigh-vacuum conditions. Here we report the on-surface synthesis of a polymer linked by cumulene-like bonds on a Au(111) surface via sequential thermally activated dehalogenative C-C coupling of a tribenzoazulene precursor equipped with two dibromomethylene groups. The structure and electronic properties of the resulting polymer with cumulene-like pentagon-pentagon and heptagon-heptagon connections have been investigated by means of scanning probe microscopy and spectroscopy methods and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, complemented by density functional theory calculations. Our results provide perspectives for the on-surface synthesis of cumulene-containing compounds, as well as protocols relevant to the stepwise fabrication of carbon-carbon bonds on surfaces.

How to Bend a Cumulene

Allenes (carbodicarbenes) and [3]cumulenes are linear carbon chains that can be bent when the terminal group has a strong carbene nature. This bending can be quite pronounced in allenes but not in [3]cumulenes. In this study, how N-heterocyclic or cyclic (alkyl)(amino) carbene (NHC and CAAC, respectively) terminal groups can modify the linear structure of [n]cumulenes has been analyzed. A low π acidity of the terminal carbene affects the linearity of [2n]cumulenes. Indeed, it has been found that the NHC [4]cumulene is extremely bent, contrary to classical [4]cumulenes. The predicted NHC [4]cumulene or tricarbodicarbene has two lone pairs and the π electrons are delocalized over the whole molecule. More significantly, DFT calculations have shown that this bent [4]cumulene is very stable, considerably more so than the corresponding [3]cumulene, which has been elusive to synthesize. Remarkably, calculations have shown that all the NHC [2n]cumulenes are more than 25 kcal mol^-1 more stable than the [2n-1]cumulenes.

Molecular Wires with Controllable π-Delocalization Incorporating Redox-Triggered π-Conjugated Switching Units

A perfluorobiphenyl-2,2'-diyl dication and its corresponding dihydrophenanthrene-type electron donor are interconvertible upon two-electron transfer. Redox-triggered C-C bond-formation/cleavage caused a drastic change in the torsion angle of the biphenyl unit. Thus, π-delocalization ON/OFF switching was observed as a change in the UV absorption upon electrolysis of the linearly extended analogue with two phenylethynyl groups. A further extended π-system with a molecular length of ca. 3.5 nm, which has two switching units, was synthesized. Spectroelectrograms as well as voltammetric analyses showed that the two units act nearly simultaneously because of the very small inter-unit electrostatic repulsion in the tetracationic state. Thus, the present pair is a promising candidate as a switching unit for "molecular wires" with controllable π-delocalization, in which a higher ON/OFF ratio of delocalization could be realized by incorporating multiple switching units.

Understanding the singlet–triplet energy splittings in transition metal-capped carbon chains

Density functional theory and molecular orbital analysis suggest that the odd–even alternation of singlet–triplet energy separations is a general feature of transition metal-capped carbon chains, determined primarily by the carbon chains.

Directing isomerization reactions of cumulenes with electric fields

Electric fields have been proposed as having a distinct ability to catalyze chemical reactions through the stabilization of polar or ionic intermediate transition states. Although field-assisted catalysis is being researched, the ability to catalyze reactions in solution using electric fields remains elusive and the understanding of mechanisms of such catalysis is sparse. Here we show that an electric field can catalyze the cis-to-trans isomerization of [3]cumulene derivatives in solution, in a scanning tunneling microscope. We further show that the external electric field can alter the thermodynamics inhibiting the trans-to-cis reverse reaction, endowing the selectivity toward trans isomer. Using density functional theory-based calculations, we find that the applied electric field promotes a zwitterionic resonance form, which ensures a lower energy transition state for the isomerization reaction. The field also stabilizes the trans form, relative to the cis, dictating the cis/trans thermodynamics, driving the equilibrium product exclusively toward the trans.

Mechanosynthesis of Odd-Numbered Tetraaryl[n]cumulenes

A mechanochemical synthesis of one-dimensional carbon allotrope carbyne model compounds, namely tetraaryl[n]cumulenes (n=3, 5) was realized. Central for the mechanosynthesis of the cumulenic carbon nanostructures were the development of a mechanochemical Favorskii alkynylation-type reaction and the implementation of a solvent-free, acid-free reductive elimination with tin(II) chloride by ball milling.

Unusual Length Dependence of the Conductance in Cumulene Molecular Wires

Cumulenes are sometimes described as "metallic" because an infinitely long cumulene would have the band structure of a metal. Herein, we report the single-molecule conductance of a series of cumulenes and cumulene analogues, where the number of consecutive C=C bonds in the core is n=1, 2, 3, and 5. The [n]cumulenes with n=3 and 5 have almost the same conductance, and they are both more conductive than the alkene (n=1). This is remarkable because molecular conductance normally falls exponentially with length. The conductance of the allene (n=2) is much lower, because of its twisted geometry. Computational simulations predict a similar trend to the experimental results and indicate that the low conductance of the allene is a general feature of [n]cumulenes where n is even. The lack of length dependence in the conductance of [3] and [5]cumulenes is attributed to the strong decrease in the HOMO-LUMO gap with increasing length.

Helical orbitals and circular currents in linear carbon wires

Disubstituted odd-carbon cumulenes are linear carbon wires with helical π-orbitals, which results in circular current around the wire.

Disubstituted odd-carbon cumulenes are linear carbon wires with near-degenerate helical π-orbitals. Such cumulenes are chiral molecules but their electronic structure consists of helical orbitals of both chiralities. For these helical molecular orbitals to give rise to experimentally observable effects, the near-degenerate orbitals of opposite helicities must be split. Here we show how pyramidalized single-faced π-donors, such as the amine substituent, provide a strategy for splitting the helical molecular orbitals. The chirality induced by the amine substituents allow for systematic control of the helicity of the frontier orbitals. We examine how the helical orbitals in odd-carbon cumulenes control the coherent electron transport properties, and we explicitly predict two modes in the experimental single-molecule conductance for these molecules. We also show that the current density through these linear wires exhibits strong circular currents. The direction of the circular currents is systematically controlled by the helicity of the frontier molecular orbitals, and is therefore altered by changing between the conformations of the molecule. Furthermore, the circular currents are subject to a full ring-reversal around antiresonances in the Landauer transmission, emphasizing the relation to destructive quantum interference. With circular currents present around truly linear carbon wires, cumulenes are promising candidates for novel applications in molecular electronics.

Atomic Scale Imaging of Reversible Ring Cyclization in Graphene Nanoconstrictions

We present an atomic level study of reversible cyclization processes in suspended nanoconstricted regions of graphene that form linear carbon chains (LCCs). Before the nanoconstricted region reaches a single linear carbon chain (SLCC), we observe that a double linear carbon chain (DLCC) structure often reverts back to a ribbon of sp² hybridized oligoacene rings, in a process akin to the Bergman rearrangement. When the length of the DLCC system only consists of ∼5 atoms in each LCC, full recyclization occurs for all atoms present, but for longer DLCCs we find that only single sections of the chain are modified in their bonding hybridization and no full ring closure occurs along the entire DLCCs. This process is observed in real time using aberration-corrected transmission electron microscopy and simulated using density functional theory and tight binding molecular dynamics calculations. These results show that DLCCs are highly sensitive to the adsorption of local gas molecules or surface diffusion impurities and undergo structural modifications.