Tautomerically Active Modules in Extended pi-Electron Systems

在这项由化学系大分子、超分子和纳米化学计划资助的项目中，佛罗里达大学的Ronald K.Castellano将合成和表征含有互变异构活性杂环构建块的圆周率共轭分子体系，最终可能用于制造具有可调物理、化学、超分子和光电性质的材料。实验和理论研究将在三个方面系统地探讨互变异构和扩展的pi电子离域之间的相互作用：(1)稠合多环芳环体系；(2)线性pi共轭结构；(3)超分子聚集体。该项目的更广泛影响包括对研究生和本科生进行多学科科学培训，为他们未来的职业生涯做准备。参与该项目的学生还将作为研究生/本科生团队，与佛罗里达大学化学俱乐部一起，在佛罗里达州阿拉丘亚县的科学课堂上提供符合标准的实验模块。导电碳基(有机)分子和聚合物在实现高效、廉价和广泛使用的电子和光学设备方面具有巨大的前景。这项研究探索了一种通用的方法来制备具有可调或环境响应性的这些材料的“可调”版本。研究结果可能有助于获得高性能的有机发光设备、太阳能电池和传感器。

In this project funded by the Macromolecular, Supramolecular and Nanochemistry Program of the Chemistry Division, Ronald K. Castellano of the University of Florida will synthesize and characterize pi-conjugated molecular systems containing tautomerically active heterocyclic building blocks that ultimately could be used to create materials with tunable physical, chemical, supramolecular, and optoelectronic properties. Experimental and theoretical studies will systematically explore the interplay between tautomerism and extended pi-electron delocalization in three settings: (1) fused polycyclic aromatic ring systems; (2) linear pi-conjugated architectures; (3) supramolecular aggregates. The broader impacts of the project include training graduate and undergraduate students in multidisciplinary science in preparation for their future careers. The students involved in the project will also participate, as graduate/undergraduate teams and together with the University of Florida Chemistry Club, in the delivery of standards-aligned experimental modules to science classrooms around Alachua County, Florida. Electrically conducting carbon-based (organic) molecules and polymers hold enormous promise for realizing highly efficient, affordable, and broadly available electronic and optical devices. This research explores a general approach to prepare "adjustable" versions of these materials with tunable or environmentally responsive properties. The results of the studies could facilitate access to high performing organic light-emitting devices, solar cells, and sensors.