Asymmetric Catalytic Assembly of Triple-Columned and Multiple-Layered Chiral Folding Polymers Showing Aggregation-Induced Emission (AIE)

The first chiral multi-layer 3D folding polymers have been assembled and regulated by both uniformed and differentiated aromatic chromophoric units between naphthyl piers. Screening catalysts, catalytic systems and monomers was proven to be crucial for asymmetric catalytic Suzuki-Miyaura poly-couplings for this assembly. X-ray crystallography of corresponding dimers and trimers revealed the absolute stereochemistry and the intermolecular packing pattern. Up to 61,960 M w /41,900 M n and m / z = 4317 for polymers and oligomers as confirmed by GPC and MALDI-TOF MS indicated that the present frameworks were composed of multiple layers stacked. The resulting multiple π-assemblies exhibited remarkable optical properties in aggregated states (PL in solids and AIE in solutions), as well as reversible redox properties in electrochemical performance.

Regioselective Functionalization of [2.2]Paracyclophanes: Recent Synthetic Progress and Perspectives

[2.2]Paracyclophane (PCP) is a prevalent scaffold that is widely utilized in asymmetric synthesis, π-stacked polymers, energy materials, and functional parylene coatings that finds broad applications in bio- and materials science. In the last few years, [2.2]paracyclophane chemistry has progressed tremendously, enabling the fine-tuning of its structural and functional properties. This Minireview highlights the most important recent synthetic developments in the selective functionalization of PCP that govern distinct features of planar chirality as well as chiroptical and optoelectronic properties. Special focus is given to the function-inspired design of [2.2]paracyclophane-based π-stacked conjugated materials by transition-metal-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions. Current synthetic challenges, limitations, as well as future research directions and new avenues for advancing cyclophane chemistry are also summarized.

Through-Space Conjugation: A Thriving Alternative for Optoelectronic Materials

Efficient electronic coupling is the key to constructing optoelectronic functional π systems. Generally, the delocalization of π electrons must comply with the framework constructed by covalent bonds (typically σ bonds), representing classic through-bond conjugation. However, through-space conjugation offers an alternative that achieves spatial electron communication with closely stacked π systems instead of covalent bonds thus enabling multidimensional energy and charge transport. Because of the ever-accelerating advances of through-space conjugation studies, researchers are inspired greatly by the beauty of through-space conjugated systems and their potential in high-tech applications. In this mini review, we introduce some representative and newly developed π systems having the through-space conjugation feature. In addition to discussing the profound impacts of through-space conjugation on the luminescence properties and charge transport, we will review some impressive findings of distinctive molecules with attractive characteristics, such as aggregation-induced emission, thermally activated delayed fluorescence, bipolar charge transport, and multichannel. These achievements may bring about new breakthroughs of theory, materials, and devices in the fields of organic electronics and molecular electronics.

Synthesis, structure and optical properties of tetraphenylethene derivatives with through-space conjugation between benzene and various planar chromophores

A series of tetraphenylethene derivatives with through-space conjugation and aggregation-enhanced emission properties are synthesized and studied.

Synthesis, aggregation-enhanced emission, polymorphism and piezochromism of TPE-cored foldamers with through-space conjugation

Alteration of intermolecular stacking geometry of a through-space conjugated foldamer gives rise to blue and cyan fluorescent crystals.