2 research outputs found
Can Strained Hydrocarbons Be āForcedā To Be Stable?
Many
strained hydrocarbons are prone to isomerization, dimerization,
and trimerization under normal laboratory conditions. Here we investigate
a method to stabilize angle-strained cycloalkynes by applying a mechanical
pulling force to the carbon atoms adjacent to the triple bond, which
partially linearizes the Cī¼CāC bond angles. We discuss
various methods of applying such pulling forces, including photoswitches
and incorporation into additional strained macrocycles. We use the
computational JEDI (Judgement of Energy DIstribution) analysis to
quantify the distribution of energy in strained cycloheptyne and judge
the change in stability upon application of an external force via
isodesmic and homodesmotic reactions. We find that cycloheptyne can
indeed be stabilized by external forces. However, the force generated
by photoswitches during isomerization is too low to lead to a significant
stabilization of the molecule. Hence, stronger forces are needed,
which can be achieved by incorporating cycloheptyne into a second
strained macrocycle
(Oligo-)Thiophene Functionalized Tetraazaperopyrenes: DonorāAcceptor Dyes and Ambipolar Organic Semiconductors
Tetraazaperopyrenes
(TAPPs) have been functionalized with thiophene
and terthiophene units of different architecture resulting in a variety
of organic donorāacceptor (DāA) compounds. The influence
of the connection of the thiophenes to the TAPP core on their structural,
photophysical and electrochemical properties has been studied in detail
by a combination of X-ray crystallography, UVāvis and fluorescence
spectroscopy as well as cyclic voltammetry, which allowed the establishment
of structureāproperty relationships. The HOMOāLUMO gap
is significantly decreased upon substitution of the TAPP core with
electron-donating thiophene units, the extent of which is strongly
influenced by the orientation of the thiophene units. The latter also
crucially directs the molecular packing in the solid. Linkage at the
Ī±-position allows both inter- and intramolecular NĀ·Ā·Ā·S
interaction, whereas linkage in the Ī²-position prevents intramolecular
NĀ·Ā·Ā·S interaction, resulting in a less pronounced conjugation
of the TAPP core and the thiophene units. The new TAPP derivatives
were processed as semiconductors in organic thin-film transistors
(TFTs) that show ambipolar behavior. The insight into band gap and
structure engineering may open up new possibilities to tailor the
electronic properties of TAPP-based materials for certain desired
applications