Corannulene-based electron acceptors: combining modular and practical synthesis with electron affinity and solubility

• Main Authors: Barát, Viktor, Budanovic, Maja, Tam, Si Man, Huh, June, Webster, Richard David, Stuparu, Mihaiela Corina
• Other Authors: School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: 2022
• Subjects: Science::Chemistry; Engineering::Materials; Corannulene; Electron-Deficient Compounds
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/161105
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

It is shown in this work that high electron affinity can be combined with high solubility and practical accessibility in corannulene-based electron acceptors. The electron affinity originates from the presence of three different types of electron-withdrawing groups (imide, sulfone, and trifluoromethyl) on the aromatic scaffold. The imide substituent further hosts a long alkyl chain (C18 H37 ) to boast solubility in a wide range of organic solvents. The synthesis is modular and consists of three simple steps from a commonly available corannulene derivative with an overall isolated yield of 22-27 %.