Luminescent molecular switches based on dicationic P-doped polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons†
Thomas Delouche,Antoine Vacher,Thierry Roisnel,Marie Cordier,Jean-Frederic Audibert,Boris Le Guennic,Fabien Miomandre,Denis Jacquemin,Muriel Hissler,Pierre-Antoine Bouit
Materials Advances Pub Date : 10/19/2020 00:00:00 , DOI:10.1039/D0MA00711K
Abstract

We report the efficient synthesis of electron-acceptors based on cationic P-doped polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. In particular, exo-skeletal modifications of the π-core were performed and their effect on the optical and redox properties was studied and compared to the effect of endo-skeletal modifications. Combined experimental (spectroelectrochemical and electron paramagnetic resonance) and theoretical studies performed on this entire family provide in-depth characterization of the reduced species and specifically of the stable radical cations formed and afford a guideline for the property tuning of such derivatives. Finally, electrochemical modulation of fluorescence performed on two compounds highlights the potential of these intrinsically switchable electroactive fluorophores.

Graphical abstract: Luminescent molecular switches based on dicationic P-doped polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons