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N-Bordered Rylene Arches via Programmable Curved π-Extension
Kai Chen1,2, Zuoyu Li1, Jiangtao Chan1
1Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
Nature Communications
|June 20, 2026
Summary
Researchers synthesized novel arch-shaped nanoribbons with curved π-surfaces. These nitrogen-bordered carbon structures exhibit unique properties and could form the basis for future carbon nanobelts.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Organic Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Curved molecular carbons offer unique properties compared to planar structures.
- Aromatic ribbons with curved π-surfaces are crucial for circular carbon architectures but are difficult to synthesize.
- Previous research has yielded limited examples of such nonplanar carbon allotropes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the synthesis and properties of arch-shaped nitrogen-bordered nanoribbons.
- To demonstrate a programmable curved π-extension strategy for creating these structures.
- To explore their potential as building blocks for advanced carbon materials.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a programmable curved π-extension strategy for synthesis.
- Characterized the nanoribbons using X-ray crystallography.
- Investigated properties via variable-temperature proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and theoretical calculations.
Main Results:
- Successfully synthesized well-defined arch-shaped nitrogen-bordered nanoribbons with continuously curved π-surfaces.
- X-ray crystallography confirmed the arched topologies.
- Demonstrated high arch-to-arch inversion barriers and enhanced fluorescence quantum yield in quaterrylene arches.
- Observed host-guest complex formation with fullerene C60.
Conclusions:
- The developed strategy enables the synthesis of challenging curved π-systems.
- These nanoribbons possess unique structural and photophysical properties.
- This work lays the foundation for the synthesis of carbon nanobelts and other nonplanar carbon architectures.
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