Strong Electron-withdrawing Group Research Articles

Exploring Structural-Photophysical Property Relationships in Mitochondria-Targeted Deep-Red/NIR-Emitting Coumarins.

Organic fluorophores operating in the optical window of biological tissues, namely in the deep-red and near-infrared (NIR) region of the electromagnetic spectrum, offer several advantages for fluorescence bioimaging applications owing to the appealing features of long-wavelength light, such as deep tissue penetration, lack of toxicity, low scattering, and reduced interference with cellular autofluorescence. Among these, COUPY dyes based on non-conventional coumarin scaffolds display suitable photophysical properties and efficient cellular uptake, with a tendency to accumulate primarily in mitochondria, which renders them suitable probes for bioimaging purposes. In this study, we have explored how the photophysical properties and subcellular localization of COUPY fluorophores can be modulated through the modification of the coumarin backbone. While the introduction of a strong electron-withdrawing group, such as the trifluoromethyl group, at position 4 resulted in an exceptional photostability and a remarkable redshift in the absorption and emission maxima when combined with a julolidine ring replacing the N,N-dialkylaminobenzene moiety, the incorporation of a cyano group at position 3 dramatically reduced the brightness of the resulting fluorophore. Interestingly, confocal microscopy studies in living HeLa cells revealed that the 1,1,7,7-tetramethyl julolidine-containing derivatives accumulated in the mitochondria with much higher specificity. Overall, our results provide valuable insights for the design and optimization of new COUPY dyes operating in the deep-red/NIR region.

Morphology study of light– and pH–responsive amphiphiles with DSA for detection of nitrobenzene derivatives

Supramolecular molecular self–assemblies with 9, 10-distyrylanthracene (DSA) frameworks have good application prospects in fluorescent probes and optical materials owing to the unique AIE effect of the DSA unit. In this study, amphiphilic rod–coil molecules with rigid DSA parts and flexible oligoether chains were designed and synthesised, and their assembly capacities were investigated. The amphiphilic molecule with a lateral methyl unit in the coil branch formed worm–like supramolecular assemblies, while the molecule without lateral group self–assembled into an interwoven ribbon like structure in aqueous solution. This is due to noncovalent molecular interactions, such as the π–π stacking interaction of the rigid segments for the former or the hydrophilic–hydrophobic effect of molecules in the aqueous solution for the latter. Interestingly, under irradiation with 365 nm UV light, the original UV absorption of the molecule decreased and fluorescence quenching occurred, accompanied by a decrease in the size of the original aggregates, which became more apparent with as irradiation time increased, indicating the presence of photo-degradation. These molecular morphologies were also significantly influenced by the pH of the aqueous solution and produced nanoparticles of various sizes. Furthermore, we investigated the adsorption capacity of nitro compounds and found that molecular aggregates could be used for the detection of nitroaromatic compounds with strong electron-withdrawing groups.

Facile synthesis of functionalized polysiloxanes with nonconventional fluorescence by oxa-Michael addition reaction

ABSTRACTDeveloping a novel methodology for the synthesis of functionalized polysiloxanes is highly desirable because of their extensive applications in engineering, textile, construction, electronics, and medical systems. Herein we introduce the oxa-Michael addition reaction as an efficient methodology to prepare a series of functionalized polysiloxanes from hydroxyalkyl-containing polysiloxanes and vinyl monomers using phosphazene base as the catalyst. The effects of various factors, including reaction time, feed ratio and solvent, were explored in this reaction. It was found that the reaction can be carried out under mild reaction (room temperature in 6 h to 24 h) with moderate to high conversion yields (60% to 99%). In particular, vinyl monomers with strong electron-withdrawing groups (e.g., cyano and sulfone groups) have higher reactivity, and the functionalized polysiloxanes can be obtained quantitatively or near-quantitatively. Interestingly, their molecular weights determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) reveal that the Si-O-Si skeletons were attacked by phosphazene base and re-arranged during the reaction, thus leading to improved molecular weights and more uniform molecular weight distributions in the final products than the original polysiloxanes. Moreover, these polysiloxanes exhibited intriguing nonconventional fluorescence due to the presence of unique chromophores, and those containing cyano and sulfone groups particularly exhibit the best fluorescence performance. More organosilicon materials could be developed under this simple strategy.

Rational design synthesis and evaluation of a novel near-infrared fluorescent probe for selective imaging of amyloid-β aggregates in Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a degenerative neurological disorder that remains incurable to date, seriously affecting the quality of life and health of those affected. One of the key neuropathological hallmarks of AD is the formation of amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques. Near-infrared (NIR) probes that possess a large Stokes shift show great potential for imaging of Aβ plaques in vivo and in vitro. Herein, we proposed a rational strategy for design and synthesis of a series of NIR fluorescent probes that incorporate a tricarbonitrile group as a strong electron-withdrawing group (EWG) to enable NIR emission and large Stokes shift for optimal imaging of Aβ plaques. The probe TCM-UM exhibited remarkable in vitro performance, including strong NIR emission (λem = 670 nm), large Stokes shift (120–245 nm), and its affinity for Aβ42 aggregates (Kd = 43.78 ± 4.09 nM) was superior to the commercially available probe Thioflavin T (ThT, Kd = 896.04 ± 33.43 nM). Further, TCM-UM was selected for imaging Aβ plaques in brain tissue slices and APP/PS1 transgenic (AD) mice, the results indicated that TCM-UM had an excellent ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB) compared with ThT, and it could effectively distinguish wild-type (Wt) mice and APP/PS1 transgenic (AD) mice.

A rationalization for the structure‒activity relationship of α-functionalized β-enamino γ-sultams

Herein we describe the reaction of 2-methyl-2-(methylamino)propanenitrile and 1-(methylamino)cyclobutane-1-carbonitrile with α-functionalized sulfonyl chlorides and the reactivity of resulting α-functionalized β-enamino γ-sultams. The nature of the substituent or the functional group in the α-position has a decisive impact on the reactivity of β-enamino γ-sultams. In particular, α-unsubstituted β-enamino γ-sultams and those possessing either electron-donating substituents or phenyl group are prepared through the two-step procedure and are prone to acid-mediated hydrolysis. Contrary to that, a strong electron-withdrawing group in the α-position enables the synthesis of the corresponding β-enamino γ-sultams in a one-pot manner and makes them tolerate the acid-mediated hydrolysis. The analysis of the results of a complex study involving physical methods (NMR and IR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction study) and DFT calculations (performed at PBE0 QZVP level of theory) allowed us to rationalize and formulate the rules of structure‒activity relationship for the discussed sultams. It turned out, that the simplest way to predict the reactivity of α-functionalized β-enamino γ-sultams is the 1H NMR spectroscopy: if the NH2 group appears in the spectrum as a two-proton singlet the compound is highly likely can be further modified while the appearance of two separated one-proton singlets indicates a low reactivity of β-enamino γ-sultams.

The anticancer/cytotoxic effect of a novel gallic acid derivative in non-small cell lung carcinoma A549 cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy individuals and lung cancer patients.

Gallic acid (GA) is a naturally occurring polyphenol with a strong antioxidant capacity. GA stimulates the apoptosis of cancer cells, thereby suppressing cancer cell invasion. However, the low oral permeability of GA limits its therapeutic use. In order to enhance the antioxidant capacity and oral permeability of GA, a series of compounds analogous to GA were synthesized: 4-methoxybenzenesulfonamide (MBS), 3,4-dimethoxybenzenesulfonamide (DMBS) and 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzenesulfonamide (TMBS). In the new compounds, hydroxyl groups were replaced with various numbers of methoxy groups (stronger electron-donating groups), to increase hydrophobicity and oral permeability compared to GA. In addition, the carboxylic group was replaced with a sulfonyl group (a stronger electron-withdrawing group), to increase the molecular polarity and antioxidative activities of the compounds. The cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to detect the effect of GA, MBS, DMBS, and TMBS on cell proliferation and apoptosis in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy individuals and non-small cell lung carcinoma A549 cells. Additionally, the comet assay was used to assess the genotoxicity of these compounds in PBMCs from healthy individuals, lung cancer patients, and A549 cells. Compared to untreated cells, TMBS reduced DNA damage more effectively than GA in PBMCs from lung cancer patients and healthy donors. Furthermore, in comparison to GA, TMBS was more cytotoxic in A549 cells. Moreover, TMBS was not cytotoxic in healthy PBMCs, suggesting that TMBS demonstrates therapeutic potential in cancer.

Designing a high-potential metal-free viologen-based redox polymer for effective wiring of FAD-dependent glucose dehydrogenase

Metal-free organic redox mediators, whose redox potentials can be tuned according to the intended enzyme system and application, are emerging as alternative mediators for the design of improved enzyme-based biosensors and biofuel cells. We report a novel class of metal-free redox polymer containing a polymer-tethered dicyano viologen mediator for the immobilization of FAD-dependent glucose dehydrogenase (FAD-GDH) on graphite electrodes. Incorporation of strong electron-withdrawing cyano groups to the viologen moiety ensures the formation of high potential viologen-based redox polymer with an envisaged pH-independent redox potential close to 50 mV (vs Ag /AgCl/ 3 M KCl) and a negligible impact on oxygen reduction. The bioelectrode comprising of newly designed redox polymer and FAD-GDH showed enhanced electrocatalytic activity in the presence of glucose, confirming effective wiring of FAD-GDH, if embedded within the redox polymer.

Synthesis and Characterization of Octacyano-Fe-Phthalocyanine.

Octacyano-metal-phthalocyanine MPc(CN)8 is a promising n-type stable organic semiconductor material with eight cyano groups, including a strong electron-withdrawing group at its molecular terminals. However, a thorough investigation of MPc(CN)8 has not yet been conducted. Therefore, we synthesized FePc(CN)8 and investigated its crystal structure, chemical and electronic states, electrical properties, photocatalytic activity, and magnetic properties. In this paper, we discuss the various properties of MPc(CN)8 in comparison with those of FePc. X-ray diffraction measurements indicated that the crystal structure of FePc(CN)8 was strongly influenced by the cyano groups and differed from the α- and β-forms of FePc. The space group P4/mcc structure of FePc(CN)8 was similar to that of the x-form of LiPc. The ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) absorption spectrum of FePc(CN)8 was observed at wavelengths longer than that of FePc. Density functional theory-based molecular orbital calculations indicated that the energy gap of FePc(CN)8 is smaller than that of FePc, which can lead to the observation of the Q-band in the UV-vis absorption spectrum of FePc(CN)8 at longer wavelengths than that of FePc. Because FePc(CN)8 has a wider optical absorption band in the visible region than FePc, its photocatalytic activity is approximately four times higher than that of FePc. The conductivity of FePc(CN)8 was also higher than that of FePc, which is due to the larger overlap of π-electron clouds of the molecules in the crystal structure of FePc(CN)8. Magnetic measurements revealed that FePc(CN)8 exists in an antiferromagnetic ground state. The magnetic properties of FePc(CN)8 are specific to its crystal structure, with direct exchange interactions between Fe2+ ions and π-electron-mediated interactions. In particular, the Pauli paramagnetic behavior at high temperatures and the antiferromagnetic behavior at low temperatures (Weiss temperature θ = -4.3 ± 0.1 K) are characteristic of the π-d system.

Synthesis, antibacterial screening and computational studies of quinazoline-4 (3H)-one-triazole conjugates

A novel series of quinazoline-4 (3H)-one-tagged triazole conjugates were synthesised using the copper(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) methodology. All synthesized compounds were structurally elucidated with the help of 2D-NMR (HMBC, HSQC, COSY) techniques and other spectral evidence. The in vitro antibacterial activities of these compounds were evaluated and compared with commercial drugs ciprofloxacin, ampicillin, and levofloxacin. Four compounds (4a, 4d, 4g, and 4i) of the series exhibited potent activity and selectivity against the gram-negative bacterial strains. Amongst these, 4i emerged as the most active conjugate with almost 12-fold superior activity to ampicillin against Klebsiella pneumoniae (gram-negative), one of the most challenging multidrug-resistant strains worldwide. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis further revealed that the incorporation of a triazole ring incredibly increased the antibacterial activity of quinazoline Schiff bases towards the gram-negative bacteria. Moreover, the para-positioning of strong electron-donating (–OCH3) and electron-withdrawing (-NO2) groups at the phenyl ring of the triazole ring positively influenced the antibacterial activity, whereas the meta-substitution generally decreased the antibacterial activity of the conjugates. Furthermore, molecular docking studies were conducted to explore the binding characteristics of these compounds in the binding site of DNA gyrase (Staphylocouccus aureus).

Computational Investigations of Reaction Mechanisms and Transformation Products of Olefins with Hypochlorous Acid.

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) as the main component in chlorination and also as the innate immune factor relevant to immune defense has attracted considerable attention. Electrophilic addition reaction of olefins with HOCl, one of the most important prototype of chemical reactions, has been intensively studied for a long time; however, it has not been fully understood yet. In this study, addition reaction mechanisms and transformation products of model olefins with HOCl were systematically investigated by the density functional theory method. The results indicate that the traditionally believed stepwise mechanism with a chloronium-ion intermediate is only suitable for olefins substituted with electron-donating groups (EDGs) and weak electron-withdrawing groups (EWGs) but it is a carbon-cation intermediate that is favorable for EDGs featuring p-π or π-π conjugation with the C═C moiety. Moreover, olefins substituted with moderate or/and strong EWGs prefer the concerted and nucleophilic addition mechanisms, respectively. Epoxide and truncated aldehyde as the main transformation products can be generated from chlorohydrin through a series of reactions involving hypochlorite; however, their generation is kinetically not as feasible as the formation of chlorohydrin. The reactivity of three chlorinating agents (HOCl, Cl2O, and Cl2) and the case study of chlorination and degradation of cinnamic acid were also explored. Additionally, APT charge on the double-bond moiety in olefin and energy gap (ΔE) between the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy of olefin and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy of HOCl were found to be good parameters to distinguish the regioselectivity of chlorohydrin and reactivity of olefin, respectively. The findings of this work are helpful in further understanding the chlorination reactions of unsaturated compounds and identifying complicated transformation products.

Visible light-triggered acceptor-acceptor type dithienylethene with aggregation-induced emission for NIR photochromism in aqueous media

Photochromic dithienylethene (DTE) derivatives with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) performance are appealing for photoelectric functional materials and photopharmacology. However, they often have to be triggered by ultraviolet light to induce photoisomerization, severely limiting their potential applications in biological systems. Herein, a novel acceptor (A)-acceptor (A) type DTE derivative (CNSDTE) has been rationally designed and prepared, in which the cyanostilbene moieties as strong electron-withdrawing groups are incorporated into both sides of DTE skeleton. Its chemical structure is fully verified by 1H NMR, 13C NMR and HRMS. Upon alternating irradiation of visible and near-infrared light, CNSDTE shows excellent photochromic properties in toluene, chloroform and DMSO. Before irradiation with visible light, AIE properties and solid state luminescence behavior are observed. Furthermore, CNSDTE-loaded nanoparticles (CNSDTE NPs) are facilely fabricated by taking the amphiphilic Pluronic F127 as the encapsulating matrix. The as-prepared CNSDTE NPs display excellent photoswitching behavior in aqueous media. The experimental results of the excellent AIE properties and photoswitching behaviors in the various media is also confirmed by DFT calculations. In short, it may be employed in functional biomaterials as a novel visible light-triggered fluorescence switch with AIE features.

Efficient removal of Cl-DBPs by direct-indirect continuous hydrodechlorination reduction reaction on Ti3C2X2 surface: A theoretical calculation

Degradation of Chlorine-containing disinfection by-products(Cl-DBPs) on surface by electrocatalytic hydrodechlorination (EHDC) is considered a promising advanced water treatment method. Cl-DBPs have ecological toxicity and health risks so that it is urgent to degrade DBPs. We designed and verified the degradation performance of the EHDC of 18 kinds of DBPs (TAAs, TANs, TALs, TNMs, TAcAms, THMs) with different substituents led by the Ti3C2X2(X = O/OH) system by the first-principles. On the surface of Ti3C2(OH)2, DBPs react with atomic hydrogen (*H) by a direct-indirect continuous reduction mechanism to eliminate the Cl atom in turn. Dissociative adsorption of DBPs on the surface of Ti3C2(OH)2 simultaneously realizes the first electron transfer step and forms H vacancy, which makes its electrocatalytic activity superior to that of Ti3C2O2. Removing the six types of DBPs only needs to add −0.1 V of applied potential. In addition, we investigated the impact of substituents and chlorination degree on the reactivity of DBPs removal. The strong electron-withdrawing group is more conducive to the dechlorination reaction. Dehalogenation is much favorable in thermodynamics as the increase in chlorination degree. This study provides important insights and efficient catalysts for the degradation of DBPs and shows the potential of MXenes in eliminating chloride in water.

Self-Immolative Photosensitizers for Self-Reported Cancer Phototheranostics.

Photosensitizers to precise target and change fluorescence upon light illumination could accurately self-report where and when the photosensitizers work, enabling us to visualize the therapeutic process and precisely regulate treatment outcomes, which is the unremitting pursuit of precision and personalized medicine. Here, we report self-immolative photosensitizers by adopting a strategy of light-manipulated oxidative cleavage of C═C bonds that can generate a burst of reactive oxygen species, to cleave to release self-reported red-emitting products and trigger nonapoptotic cell oncosis. Strong electron-withdrawing groups are found to effectively suppress the C═C bond cleavage and phototoxicity via studying the structure-activity relationship, allowing us to elaborate NG1-NG5 that could temporarily inactivate the photosensitizer and quench the fluorescence by different glutathione (GSH)-responsive groups. Thereinto, NG2 with 2-cyano-4-nitrobenzene-1-sulfonyl group displays excellent GSH responsiveness than the other four. Surprisingly, NG2 shows better reactivity with GSH in weakly acidic condition, which inspires the application in weakly acidic tumor microenvironment where GSH elevates. To this end, we further synthesize NG-cRGD by anchoring integrin αvβ3 binding cyclic pentapeptide (cRGD) for tumor targeting. In A549 xenografted tumor mice, NG-cRGD successfully deprotects to restore near-infrared fluorescence because of elevated GSH in tumor site, which is subsequently cleaved upon light irradiation releasing red-emitting products to report photosensitizer working, while effectively ablating tumors via triggered oncosis. The advanced self-immolative organic photosensitizer may accelerate the development of self-reported phototheranostics in future precision oncology.

Imidazole-modified Merrifield resin supported oxidovanadium(IV) complexes of Schiff-base-ether-based mixed functionality ligands for the catalytic oxidation of light aliphatic alcohols

Three Schiff-base-ether mixed functionality ligands H2ap-Cl (I), H2ap-Br (II), and H2ap-Nt (III) were prepared by reacting precursor 3-(2-aminophenoxy)propan-1-ol with Cl, Br, and –NO2 derivatives of salicylaldehyde, respectively. Single crystal XRD analysis and theoretical calculations suggest the stabilization of azomethine -NH of the ligand III over its conventional phenolic-OH form. However, Schiff-base ligands I and II prefer the conventional phenolic -OH form over the azomethine -NH form. Oxidovanadium(IV) complexes [VO(ap-Cl)] (1), [VO(ap-Br)] (2), and [VO(ap-Nt)] (3) were prepared by reacting VO(acac)2 with the ligands (I), (II), and (III), respectively and grafted on the imidazole-modified Merrifield resin. Polymer-grafted complexes Ps-Im-[VO(ap-Cl)] (4), Ps-Im-[VO(ap-Br)] (5), and Ps-Im-[VO(ap-Nt)] (6) behave as good heterogeneous catalyst and show excellent substrate conversion (~50–96% for listed straight chain aliphatic alcohols) with high TOF values towards the oxidation of unfunctionalized aliphatic alcohols. As the carbon number increases in the aliphatic alcohol, substrate conversion reduce; hence, ethanol displays a maximum of 96% substrate conversion in the presence of catalyst 6, while acetic acid produces selectively. DFT calculations propose that the presence of a strong electron-withdrawing group such as -NO2 in the 3-position of salicylaldehyde of the Schiff-base ligands increases the ionization potential of the complex 6, which causes a marginal reduction in its catalytic activity than 4 and 5.

Synthesis of Azadioxa-Planar Triphenylboranes Bridged by Aryl- and Alkylimino Groups and Their Photophysical Properties

Heteroatom-bridged planar triphenylboranes, in which the three phenyl groups are bridged at the ortho positions by heteroatoms, are attracting growing attention as one of the heteroatom-containing π-conjugated molecules. Herein, we developed the synthetic method of planar triphenylboranes bridged by two oxygen atoms and one nitrogen atom, and the substituent on the nitrogen atom is derived into various aryl and alkyl groups. A key intermediate bearing an imino group (-NH-) was synthesized from a bis-triflate precursor bridged by two oxo groups via a nucleophilic aromatic substitution reaction of benzyl amine and following debenzylation. The X-ray crystallographic analysis revealed that the compound exhibits a planar molecular structure which can form a one-dimensionally π-stacked structure. The photophysical and density functional theory studies revealed that their highest occupied molecular orbitals and lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals (LUMOs) are originated from the triphenylborane moiety, while introducing strong electron-withdrawing groups such as the 4-cyanophenyl group on the nitrogen atom can induce the localization of the LUMO at the aryl groups instead of the triphenylborane moiety.

Theoretical Studies and Design Strategies of Highly Efficient Two-Photon Excited Fluorescent Probes for Hydrogen Sulfide Detection through Simulation of Excited-State Dynamics.

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) plays a critical role in numerous physiological and pathological processes, but an abnormal level of H2S in living systems can cause various diseases. To detect the level of endogenous H2S in a complicated biological system, the luminous mechanism of "turn-on" probe for H2S monitoring has been deeply explored through the simulation of excited-state dynamic processes, and the effect of different geometric modifications on optical properties has been minutely investigated based on molecular modeling. TD-DFT calculations demonstrate that line-type π-expanding in the molecular skeleton is beneficial for improving two-photon absorption (TPA) ability, but it can give rise to extremely large geometric relaxation, going against fluorescence emission. It is an effective way to suppress molecular skeleton scissoring vibration by introducing strong electron-withdrawing substituent groups (F, Cl, Br, CN) in benzopyran, and these compounds also have superior TPA properties in NIR. One of the potential materials in the application of biological imaging and H2S detection has been obtained, which simultaneously possesses easily distinguished spectra (with a Stokes shift as large as 77 nm), high luminous efficiency (with a quantum yield up to 20.07%), and large TPA cross section (952 GM at 950 nm).

A molecular dynamics study on polybenzimidazole based proton exchange membrane with dual proton conductors

Organophosphorus acid (OPA) and phosphoric acid (PA) acting as dual proton conductors co-doped into proton exchange membrane is an effective solution to simultaneously improve the proton conductivity and inhibit the leaching of PA for high temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells (HT-PEMFCs). However, the interactions of the dual proton conductors with polymers are still unrevealed. Here we combined density functional theory (DFT) calculation with molecular dynamic (MD) simulations to investigate the interactions between amino tris (methylene phosphonic acid) (ATMP, a kind of OPA)/PA and polybenzimidazoles with different kinds of electron withdrawing groups. The study reveals strong electron-withdrawing groups could form more abundant hydrogen bonds networks, and the interactions of ATMP and PA with polybenzimidazoles lead to more free PA molecules, which both benefit the proton conductivity. Meanwhile, the addition of ATMP could reduce self-diffusion of PA, which could improve the PA retention capacity. This work provides insights for the design of high temperature proton exchange membranes.

Molecular modification effects on the electrochromic and photochromic properties of diarylethene with intramolecular isomerization behavior.

Diarylethene (DAE) is one of the most widely used functional units for electrochromic or photochromic materials. To better understand the molecular modification effects on the electrochromic and photochromic properties of DAE, two modification strategies, substitution with functional groups or heteroatoms, were investigated theoretically by density functional theory calculations. It is found that red-shifted absorption spectra caused by a decreased highest occupied molecular orbital-lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy gap and S0 → S1 transition energy during the ring-closing reaction become more significant by adding different functional substituents. In addition, for two isomers, the energy gap and S0 → S1 transition energy decreased by heteroatom substitution of S atoms with O or NH, while they increased by replacing two S atoms with CH2. For intramolecular isomerization, one-electron excitation is the most effective way to trigger the closed-ring (O → C) reaction, while the open-ring (C → O) reaction occurs most readily in the presence of one-electron reduction. Moreover, it is confirmed that substitution with strong electron donating groups (-OCH3/-NH2) or with one O/two CH2 heteroatoms leads to a more favorable closed-ring (O → C) reaction. Functionalized with strong electron-withdrawing groups (-NO2 and -COOH) or one/two NH heteroatom substitutions, the open-ring (C → O) reaction is easier. Our results confirmed that the photochromic and electrochromic properties of DAE can be tuned effectively by molecular modifications, which provides theoretical guidance for the design of new DAE-based photochromic/electrochromic materials.

Facile Synthesis of Bis-pentafluoroarylated Anthracene Derivatives for N-type Organic-Field-Effect Transistor Applications.

Diphenylanthracene (DPA) and its derivatives are promising semiconducting materials for p-type organic-field-effect transistors (OFETs). In this study, to develop n-type semiconducting materials with an anthracene core, pentafluorobenzene was introduced into anthracene by C-H direct arylation, enabling the synthesis of various bis(pentafluorophenyl)anthracene (DPA-F) derivatives. The high reactivity of the pentafluorobenzene C-H bond allows direct arylation for synthesizing DPA-F derivatives in a single step. The introduction of strong electron-withdrawing pentafluorophenyl groups provides the anthracene derivatives with n-type semiconducting properties, in contrast to the p-type properties of the parent DPAs. Among the synthesized compounds, 2,6-bis(pentafluorophenyl)anthracene shows a high electron mobility of 0.12±0.02 cm2 /Vs and an on/off ratio>106 in OFETs. The high crystallinity results in the smooth electron transport. This study provides a facile synthetic method for n-type semiconducting materials and insights into the molecular design of the positional effects of aromatic substituents on anthracene.

Porphyrin-Based Covalent Organic Frameworks Anchoring Au Single Atoms for Photocatalytic Nitrogen Fixation

The development of efficient photocatalysts for N2 fixation to produce NH3 under ambient conditions remains a great challenge. Since covalent organic frameworks (COFs) possess predesignable chemical structures, good crystallinity, and high porosity, it is highly significant to explore their potential for photocatalytic nitrogen conversion. Herein, we report a series of isostructural porphyrin-based COFs loaded with Au single atoms (COFX-Au, X = 1-5) for photocatalytic N2 fixation. The porphyrin building blocks act as the docking sites to immobilize Au single atoms as well as light-harvesting antennae. The microenvironment of the Au catalytic center is precisely tuned by controlling the functional groups at the proximal and distal positions of porphyrin units. As a result, COF1-Au decorated with strong electron-withdrawing groups exhibits a high activity toward NH3 production with rates of 333.0 ± 22.4 μmol g-1 h-1 and 37.0 ± 2.5 mmol gAu-1 h-1, which are 2.8- and 171-fold higher than that of COF4-Au decorated with electron-donating functional groups and a porphyrin-Au molecular catalyst, respectively. The NH3 production rates could be further increased to 427.9 ± 18.7 μmol g-1 h-1 and 61.1 ± 2.7 mmol gAu-1 h-1 under the catalysis of COF5-Au featuring two different kinds of strong electron-withdrawing groups. The structure-activity relationship analysis reveals that the introduction of electron-withdrawing groups facilitates the separation and transportation of photogenerated electrons within the entire framework. This work manifests that the structures and optoelectronic properties of COF-based photocatalysts can be finely tuned through a rational predesign at the molecular level, thus leading to superior NH3 evolution.