Electrostatic Potential for Exploring Electron Delocalization in Infinitenes, Circulenes, and Nanobelts.

Area of Science:

• Computational chemistry
• Organic chemistry
• Materials science

Background:

• Infinitenes are novel polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons characterized by a helical, infinity-symbol-like structure.
• Understanding the π-conjugation, aromaticity, and stability of these unique structures is crucial for exploring their potential applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the π-conjugation, aromaticity, and stability of 8-, 10-, 12-, 14-, and 16-arene ring infinitenes.
• To quantify the aromatic character using molecular electrostatic potential (MESP) topology and a derived parameter.
• To compare infinitenes with isomeric circulenes and carbon nanobelts regarding structure, stability, and strain.

Main Methods:

• Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were employed to study infinitene structures.
• Molecular electrostatic potential (MESP) topology was analyzed to quantify π-electron delocalization and aromaticity.
• A parameter derived from MESP minima eigenvalues was used to measure aromatic character.
• Strain energy was evaluated by comparing with planar benzenoid hydrocarbons.

Main Results:

• Infinitenes display an infinity-shaped delocalization of electron density across fused benzenoid rings.
• 12-infinitene was identified as the most aromatic and least strained molecule among the investigated systems.
• Comparisons revealed distinct structural, stability, and strain profiles for infinitenes versus circulenes and carbon nanobelts.

Conclusions:

• Infinitenes represent a promising class of aromatic compounds with tunable properties.
• 12-infinitene demonstrates superior aromaticity and stability, making it a key candidate for further research.
• DFT and MESP topology are effective tools for characterizing the electronic and structural properties of novel polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.