Model complexes for metallated polythiophenes: gold(I) and palladium(II) complexes of bis(diphenylphosphino)oligothiophenes

Synthesis of α,α’-linked penta- and septaheterocycles by tandem Suzuki coupling

The controlled synthesis of oligoaromatics can provide materials of wide utility. Here, we describe the preparation of higher order oligoheterocycles via a tandem Suzuki cross-coupling protocol. This method has allowed for the iterative construction of fluorescent [Formula: see text],[Formula: see text]-linked penta- and septaheterocyclic systems with modification of the terminal moiety allowing for fine-tuning of the emission features.

Conjugated ligand-based tribochromic luminescence

A Au(I) complex containing a terthienyl diphosphine ligand is non-emissive in the crystalline form, but exhibits intense ligand-based emission upon grinding attributed to increased planarization in the terthienyl ligand.

[W6S8] Octahedral Tungsten Clusters Functionalized with Thiophene Derivatives: toward Polymerizable Building Blocks

The functionalization of octahedral [W(6)S(8)] clusters with a family of phosphino-thiophene ligands has been investigated with the goal of synthesizing extended networks of [W(6)S(8)] units covalently linked to one another through thiophene-conjugated bridges. In addition to new phosphino-thiophene ligands, eight clusters were synthesized and characterized by (1)H and (31)P NMR spectroscopies, elemental analysis, and UV-vis absorption. These clusters are formulated [W(6)S(8)(T-PPh(2))6] (1a), [W(6)S(8)(T-PEt(2))(6)] (1b), [W(6)S(8)(2T-PPh(2))(6)] (2a), [W(6)S(8)(2T-PEt(2))(6)] (2b), [W(6)S(8)(3T-PPh(2))(6)] (3a), [W(6)S(8)(3T-PEt(2))(6)] (3b), [W(6)S(8)((2T)(3)P)(6)] (4), and [W(6)S(8)(2EDOT-PEt(2))(6)] (5) (T = thiophene and EDOT = 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene). The molecular structure of six of them has been obtained by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. All of them crystallize in the P1 triclinic space group except 3b, which has the P2(1)/c monoclinic symmetry. The redox behavior of both the ligands and the corresponding functionalized clusters has been investigated by cyclic voltammetry. An attempt to electropolymerize these species is also reported.

Radical Ion States of Platinum Acetylide Oligomers

The ion radicals of two series of platinum acetylide oligomers have been subjected to study by electrochemical and pulse radiolysis/transient absorption methods. One series of oligomers, Ptn, has the general structure Ph-C[triple bond]C-[Pt(PBu3)2-C[triple bond]C-(1,4-Ph)-C[triple bond]C-]n-Pt(PBu3)2-C[triple bond]C-Ph (where x=0-4, Ph=phenyl and 1,4-Ph=1,4-phenylene). The second series of oligomers, Pt4Tn, contain a thiophene oligomer core, -C[triple bond]C-(2,5-Th)n-C[triple bond]C- (where n=1-3 and 2,5-Th=2,5-thienylene), capped on both ends with -Pt(PBu3)2-C[triple bond]C-(1,4-Ph)-C[triple bond]C-Pt(PBu3)2-C[triple bond]C-Ph segments. Electrochemical studies reveal that all of the oligomers feature reversible or quasi-reversible one-electron oxidation at potentials less than 1 V versus SCE. These oxidations are assigned to the formation of radical cations on the platinum acetylide chains. For the longer oligomers multiple, reversible one-electron waves are observed at potentials less than 1 V, indicating that multiple positive polarons can be produced on the oligomers. Pulse-radiolysis/transient absorption spectroscopy has been used to study the spectra and dynamics of the cation and anion radical states of the oligomers in dichloroethane and tetrahydrofuran solutions, respectively. All of the ion radicals exhibit two allowed absorption bands: one in the visible region and the second in the near-infrared region. The ion radical spectra shift with oligomer length, suggesting that the polarons are delocalized to some extent on the platinum acetylide chains. Analysis of the electrochemical and pulse radiolysis data combined with the density functional theory calculations on model ion radicals provides insight into the electronic structure of the positive and negative ion radical states of the oligomers. A key conclusion of the work is that the polaron states are concentrated on relatively short oligomer segments.

Intermolecular interactions and electronic properties in phosphino-(oligothiophene) palladium(II) and platinum(II) complexes

A series of Pt(II) and Pd(II) complexes containing diphenylphosphino-substituted oligothiophene ligands ranging from 1 to 3 thiophene rings in length have been prepared. Crystal structures of four of these complexes were determined via single X-ray crystal diffraction and the solid-state packing arrangements found to vary with both the metal and the thiophene-containing ligand. In some cases, π-stacking between thiophene rings are found for the oligothiophene ligands. Solution and solid-state absorption spectra of these complexes are reported.Key words: oligothiophenes, metal complexes, structural properties, electronic spectra.

Synthesis and optoelectronic properties of transition metal complexes incorporating dithieno[3,2-b:2′,3′-d]phosphole ligands

A series of dithieno[3,2-b:2',3'-d]phosphole-based transition metal complexes, including Au, Fe, Pt, Rh and W as central metals have been synthesised and characterised. Structural investigations by X-ray single crystal crystallography supported the high degree of pi-conjugation in the dithienophosphole ligands. This essential requirement for potential applications in molecular electronics and optoelectronics provides small band gaps for the materials. Investigations toward the optoelectronic properties of the respective complexes by fluorescence spectroscopy indicated that systematic alterations of the electronic structure are connected to different variables such as transition metal employed, functionalisation of the dithienophosphole ligands as well as complex geometries. The investigated Pt-based complexes exhibit only poor photoluminescence whereas Rh-, W- and Fe-based species with silyl functionalised dithienophosphole ligands show appreciable photophysical properties. The Au complexes investigated exhibit strong photoluminescence properties with very intriguing features in terms of excitation and emission wavelengths, intensity as well as selectivity.

Synthesis and Coordination Chemistry of a Photoswitchable Bis(phosphine) Ligand

A 1,2-dithienylethene compound bearing bis(phosphine) groups (1o) represents a new class of photoresponsive ligands where there are steric and electronic differences between two photogenerated isomers. The coordination chemistry of this ligand class is demonstrated by preparing a gold(I) complex (2o) and a phosphine selenide (3o).

Structural and Electronic Properties of Phosphino(oligothiophene) Gold(I) Complexes

A series of gold(I) complexes containing phosphino(oligothiophene) ligands of varying conjugation length has been prepared. Solid state crystal structures of (PT3)AuCl (PT3 = 5-diphenylphosphino-2,2':5',2' '-terthiophene) and AuCl(PTP)AuCl (PTP = 2,5-diphenylphosphinothiophene) have been obtained. The complex AuCl(PTP)AuCl crystallizes as a dimer with two intermolecular Au-Au contacts. Variable temperature NMR spectroscopy is used to demonstrate the presence of aurophilic interactions in solution for AuI(PTP)AuI. Dual emission is observed for AuCl(PTP)AuCl in solution and is attributed to emission from both monomer and dimer. In the solid state, dimer emission is dominant. The iodo analogue, AuI(PTP)AuI, shows only low energy dimer emission in both solution and the solid state. Compounds in which the ligands contain longer bridges (either bithienyl or terthienyl) show absorption and emission bands due to the pi-pi* transition only, both in solution and the solid state.

Synthesis, processing and properties of conjugated polymer networks

Despite the diverse research activities focused on the chemistry, materials science and physics of conjugated polymers, the feature of conjugated cross-links, which can provide electronic communication between chains, has received little attention. This situation may be a direct consequence of the challenge to introduce such links while retaining adequate processability. Focusing on recent studies of materials for which charge transport or electrical conductivity data are available, this feature article attempts to present an overview of the synthesis, processing and electronic properties of conjugated polymer networks. For the purpose of this discussion, two distinctly separate architectures-featuring covalent cross-links on the one hand and non-covalent organometallic bridges on the other-are treated in separate sections. The available data indicate that cross-linking can have significant benefits for intermolecular charge transfer if the polymers are carefully designed.