Naphthodithiophene Diimide Based Chiral π‐Conjugated Nanopillar Molecules.

The synthesis, structures, and properties of [4]cyclonaphthodithiophene diimides ([4]C‐NDTIs) are described. NDTIs as important n‐type building blocks were catenated in the α‐positions of thiophene rings via an unusual electrochemical‐oxidation‐promoted macrocyclization route. The thiophene–thiophene junction in [4]C‐NDTIs results in an ideal pillar shape. This interesting topology, along with appealing electronic and optical properties inherited from the NDTI units, endows the [4]C‐NDTIs with both near‐infrared (NIR) light absorptions, strong excitonic coupling, and tight encapsulation of C60. Stable orientations of the NDTI units in the nanopillars lead to stable inherent chirality, which enables detailed circular dichroism studies on the impact of isomeric structures on π‐conjugation. Remarkably, the [4]C‐NDTIs maintain the strong π–π stacking abilities of NDTI units and thus adopt two‐dimensional (2D) lattice arrays at the molecular level. These nanopillar molecules have great potential to mimic natural photosynthetic systems for the development of multifunctional organic materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]