Fluorescent and Electroactive Monoalkyl BTD-Based Liquid Crystals with Tunable Self-Assembling and Electronic Properties

We report here on a series of redox active benzothiadiazole-based luminophores ffinctionalized on one edge with a phenyl-nonyl substituent, which confers these molecules a rodlike shape and a tendency to self-assemble into layered superstructures. On the other edge, the molecules are endowed with different p-substituted phenyl rings, which allows the modulation of their redox and optical properties on the basis of the electronic nature of the terminal substituents. We have found that just one lateral alkyl chain is sufficient to induce mesomorphism in these molecules, which present nematic or smectic mesophases upon therinal treatment. Single-crystal analysis allows us to get an insight into the nature of the forces responsible for different supramolecular assemblies in these derivatives, and point to a strong contribution of the terminal groups in the different arrangements observed. The interesting redox and optical properties together with their self-assembling tendencies render these new materials interesting candidates for optoelectromcs

An Indium Layered MOF as Recyclable Lewis Acid Catalyst

By using the bent linker 4,4′-(hexafluoroisopropylidene)bis(benzoic acid) (H2hippb), whose central atom is an sp3 carbon, a new In(III) MOF has been obtained. The structure is described as thick layers with the bent geometry of the ligand leading to the formation of square-shaped channels, which run inside the framework layers. This microporous, thermally stable compound has been proved to be an efficient heterogeneous catalyst for acetalization of aldehydes. Differences in the catalytic activity when a compound with empty or filled channels is used demonstrate that the catalytic reactions take place inside the pores

A rare-earth MOF series: Fascinating structure, efficient light emitters, and promising catalysts

A new family of rare-earth polymeric framework RPF-4 has been obtained and its structure solved from an intrinsically triple twinned crystal. The framework formed by a H - O bond free rare-earth matrix, with the Ln atoms separated in two directions, makes them very promising materials for light-emitting diodes. The properties of the materials as heterogeneous catalysts are reported, too. IR spectroscopy suggests the presence of a peroxo complex that acts as active species in the oxidation reaction