π-Extended dibenzo[g,p]chrysenes

Abstract

Here, we report two series (denoted as meta and para) of π-extended dibenzo[g,p]chrysenes (DBCs) with different substituents (H, Me and OMe). These six novel compounds benefit from the presence of eight methyl groups on the sp³ bridges which improve the solubility and rigidify the extended phenylenes. Their optoelectronic properties were determined using electrochemistry and spectroscopic (UV-vis and emission) techniques and further confirmed by DFT calculations. The results showed that both the position and nature of substituents on the π-extended moieties exert significant effects on the optoelectronic properties and the charge delocalization mechanism. In addition, isomerism (meta and para) leads to different packings in the solid state structure; interestingly, the crystal structure of the hydrogen substituted para molecule showed a permanent three-dimensional porous structure.