ANR 2021 - JCJC - Pi-Aza - Synthesis and electronic properties of novel aza-aromatic based Pi-systems (Pi-Aza)

Pi-conjugated heterocycles for optoelectronics are increasingly studied, and among heteroaromatics, the N-heterocycles are appealing because their properties can be tuned both by their N-substituents and the nature of the heterocycle. In the present project, we aim at developing the chemistry of a new family of aza-aromatics based on aryl-tetrazines, featuring a high N-content. Their synthesis is performed using transition metal-catalysis and “greener” C–H activation. The recently obtained specimens are highly fluorescent and strongly electron-deficient. Accordingly, the objectives of the Pi-Aza project are in priority: 1) to explore the chemical reactivityandto extend their synthetic approach using a reasoned theoretical/experimental approach, 2) to optimize their molecular engineering for optoelectronic applications by enhancing the light-harvesting, favoring their self-assembly properties and tuning their luminescence. The experimental and computational studies of their electronic properties will be achieved, aiming at implementing optoelectronic devices based on organic electronics such as non-fullerene acceptors (NFA) for solar cells and thermally-activated delayed fluorescent (TADF) emitters for organic light-emitting diodes.

Principal investigator: Dr Pierre-Antoine BOUIT (Institute of Chemical Sciences Rennes)

Partners: Prof. P. Fleurat-Lessard, Dr J. Roger, Prof. J.-C. Hierso