A Coordination Chemistry Approach to the Design of Boron-Doped Conjugated π-Electron Materials

The incorporation of boron into conjugated organic molecules has emerged as a useful strategy to elicit valuable optical and electronic properties which cannot be observed with the analogous all-hydrocarbon systems. Therefore, these types of molecules are currently being studied for various optoelectronic applications, including organic light-emitting diodes. We have synthesized, structurally characterized, and assessed the aromaticity and optical properties of unusual borafluorene and borepin cations, radicals, and anions. Our primary goal has been to isolate molecules in rare electronic states and to provide a link between structure and function. We have now initiated efforts aimed at understanding the chemical reactivity of these boron-containing rings, including their reactivity with energy-relevant small molecules. Recently, we discovered that borenium ions can be tailored such that the serve as viable stimuli-responsive materials, possessing thermochromic and/or luminescent properties. This lecture will cover our most recent results in these research areas, including new studies on boraacenes and π-extended multi-boron-doped systems. If time permits, other research areas will be discussed, such as our efforts in heavy group 15 element bond activation chemistry.