π-Electron Systems That Form Planar and Interlocked Anion Complexes and Their Ion-Pairing Assemblies

Area of Science:

• Supramolecular Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Organic Chemistry

Background:

• Ordered arrangements of π-electron systems are crucial for advanced materials.
• Designed charged species interactions drive the formation of supramolecular assemblies.
• Anion recognition and binding are fundamental to molecular recognition and sensing.

Purpose of the Study:

• Synthesize novel arylethynyl-substituted dipyrrolyldiketone boron complexes as anion precursors.
• Investigate the formation and stability of receptor-anion complexes in solution.
• Explore the solid-state ion-pairing assemblies and charge-segregated structures.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of novel boron complexes.
• Spectroscopic and electrochemical characterization.
• Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis.
• Thermodynamic parameter analysis.

Main Results:

• Successfully synthesized arylethynyl-substituted dipyrrolyldiketone boron complexes.
• Observed anion-responsive behavior and formation of [1+1] and [2+1] receptor-anion complexes.
• Revealed solid-state ion-pairing assemblies and a totally charge-segregated assembly.
• Demonstrated mesophase formation and charge-carrier transporting properties in alkyl chain-functionalized complexes.

Conclusions:

• The synthesized boron complexes effectively act as receptors for anions.
• Complex assembly and stability can be tuned by structural modifications.
• These findings open avenues for designing functional materials with tailored charge transport properties.