Elastic Organic Crystals of a Fluorescent π-Conjugated Molecule

An elastic organic crystal of a π-conjugated molecule has been fabricated. A large fluorescent single crystal of 1,4-bis[2-(4-methylthienyl)]-2,3,5,6-tetrafluorobenzene (over 1 cm long) exhibited a fibril lamella morphology based on slip-stacked molecular wires, and it was found to be a remarkably elastic crystalline material. The straight crystal was capable of bending more than 180° under applied stress and then quickly reverted to its original shape upon relaxation. In addition, the fluorescence quantum yield of the crystal was about twice that of the compound in THF solution. Mechanical bending-relaxation resulted in reversible change of the morphology and fluorescence. This research offers a more general approach to flexible crystals as a promising new family of organic semiconducting materials.