Synthesis, properties and application of o-carborane-based π-conjugated macrocycles

Abstract

Two o-carborane-based π-conjugated macrocycles were synthesized via the oxidative coupling of acetylene-terminated o-carborane precursors. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis unambiguously revealed their unique porous supramolecular structures, which exhibit micropore characteristics. These novel macrocycles exhibit aggregation-induced emission in both the aggregated state and the solid state. This work provides a new design strategy for developing o-carborane macrocyclic molecules with excellent photophysical properties. Based on the obvious fluorescence quenching phenomenon of macrocycles by 1,4-dinitrobenzene and 2,4,6-trinitrophenol, it can be concluded that these macrocyclic compounds have promising potential as sensors for nitroaromatics.