The dynamic, size-dependent properties of [5]–[12]cycloparaphenylenes

Abstract

[n]Cycloparaphenylenes (or “carbon nanohoops”) are cyclic fragments of carbon nanotubes that consist of n para linked benzene rings. These strained, all sp² hybridized macrocycles, have size-dependent optical and electronic properties that are the most dynamic at the smallest size regime where n = 5–12. This review highlights the unique physical phenomena surrounding this class of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, specifically emphasizing the novel structural, optical, and electronic properties of [5]–[12]CPPs.