Postfunctionalization of BN-embedded polycyclic aromatic compounds for fine-tuning of their molecular properties

New BN-embedded, thiophene-fused, polycyclic aromatic compounds with planar geometry were designed and synthesized. The molecules showed excellent stability and chemical robustness. Postfunctionalization on this skeleton was demonstrated with a series of electrophilic bromination, palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling, and Knoevenagel condensation reactions. The π skeleton remained intact during these late-stage transformations. The optical and electronic properties have been well tuned through incorporation of electron-rich and -deficient groups on the backbone. This work shows the great advantage of the postfunctionalization strategy on BN-containing polycyclic aromatic compounds for fast diversification and materials screening.