Di-peri-dinaphthoporphyrins can be regarded as a key and common substructure of fused porphyrinoids. PtCl₂-mediated cycloisomerization reaction of quinodimethane-type porphyrins provided these doubly fused porphyrins, which exhibit characteristic paratropic ring currents that presumably arise from 24π antiaromatic circuit as a dominant resonance contributor. UV/Vis absorption spectra, cyclic voltammetry, and excited-state dynamics as well as theoretical calculation support this conclusion.

β,β-tripyrrin-bridged earring porphyrins were synthesized through Suzuki–Miyaura cross coupling reactions. These porphyrinoids have multiple cavities and can accommodate two or three metal ions per molecule. The structures of the porphyrins have been elucidated by x-ray diffraction analysis, and feature curved π planes. The electronic spectra of the porphyrins exhibit near-infrared (NIR) absorptions and metal insertion leads to red-shifted and intensified absorption features. Electrochemical analysis and transient absorption measurements indicated that the porphyrins exhibit effective electronic communication between their central and peripheral moieties.

[Ni(cod)₂]-mediated intramolecular reductive coupling of β–β′ linked meso,meso′-dibromosubporphyrin dimer gave the anti-isomer of meso–meso′, β–β′ doubly linked subporphyrin dimer as the first example of a fused subporphyrin dimer. The fused dimer 3_anti displays an wavelike coplanar structure, a perturbed and red-shifted absorption spectrum, reversible redox behaviors with a decreased electrochemical HOMO–LUMO band gap, and a short S₁-state lifetime owing to the delocalized π-electronic network.

Subporphyrinatoboron(III) (SubB) sensitizers were synthesized for use in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The prototype, which comprises a sterically demanding 3,5-di-tert-butylphenyl scaffold, a meso-ethynylphenyl spacer, and a cyanoacrylic acid anchoring group, achieved an open-circuit voltage V_OC of 836 mV, short-circuit current density J_SC of 15.3 mA cm⁻², fill factor of 0.786, and a photon-to-current conversion efficiency of 10.1 %. Such astonishing figures suggest that a bright future lies ahead for SubB in the realm of DSSCs.

Di-peri-dinaphthoporphyrins can be regarded as a key and common substructure of fused porphyrinoids. PtCl₂-mediated cycloisomerization reaction of quinodimethane-type porphyrins provided these doubly fused porphyrins, which exhibit characteristic paratropic ring currents that presumably arise from 24π antiaromatic circuit as a dominant resonance contributor. UV/Vis absorption spectra, cyclic voltammetry, and excited-state dynamics as well as theoretical calculation support this conclusion.

β,β-tripyrrin-bridged earring porphyrins were synthesized through Suzuki–Miyaura cross coupling reactions. These porphyrinoids have multiple cavities and can accommodate two or three metal ions per molecule. The structures of the porphyrins have been elucidated by x-ray diffraction analysis, and feature curved π planes. The electronic spectra of the porphyrins exhibit near-infrared (NIR) absorptions and metal insertion leads to red-shifted and intensified absorption features. Electrochemical analysis and transient absorption measurements indicated that the porphyrins exhibit effective electronic communication between their central and peripheral moieties.

[Ni(cod)₂]-mediated intramolecular reductive coupling of β–β′ linked meso,meso′-dibromosubporphyrin dimer gave the anti-isomer of meso–meso′, β–β′ doubly linked subporphyrin dimer as the first example of a fused subporphyrin dimer. The fused dimer 3_anti displays an wavelike coplanar structure, a perturbed and red-shifted absorption spectrum, reversible redox behaviors with a decreased electrochemical HOMO–LUMO band gap, and a short S₁-state lifetime owing to the delocalized π-electronic network.

Subporphyrinatoboron(III) (SubB) sensitizers were synthesized for use in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The prototype, which comprises a sterically demanding 3,5-di-tert-butylphenyl scaffold, a meso-ethynylphenyl spacer, and a cyanoacrylic acid anchoring group, achieved an open-circuit voltage V_OC of 836 mV, short-circuit current density J_SC of 15.3 mA cm⁻², fill factor of 0.786, and a photon-to-current conversion efficiency of 10.1 %. Such astonishing figures suggest that a bright future lies ahead for SubB in the realm of DSSCs.

Subporphyrin B-peroxides have been synthesized in good yields by acid-catalyzed exchange reactions of subporphyrin B-methoxide with the corresponding hydroperoxides. Thermal dimerization of the subporphyrin B-hydroperoxide provided the peroxo-bridged bis(subporphyrin) quantitatively. These subporphyrin B-peroxides are fairly stable under ambient conditions, which allowed their isolation and full characterization as the first examples of structurally authenticated boron hydroperoxides, acyclic boron organylperoxides, and neutral peroxo-bridged diboron species. The subporphyrin B-peroxides thus prepared were investigated through their crystal structures, IR spectra, and cyclic voltammograms as well as by DFT calculations. The subporphyrin B-hydroperoxide oxidizes triphenylphosphine quantitatively to triphenylphosphine oxide.

Subporphyrin B-peroxides have been synthesized in good yields by acid-catalyzed exchange reactions of subporphyrin B-methoxide with the corresponding hydroperoxides. Thermal dimerization of the subporphyrin B-hydroperoxide provided the peroxo-bridged bis(subporphyrin) quantitatively. These subporphyrin B-peroxides are fairly stable under ambient conditions, which allowed their isolation and full characterization as the first examples of structurally authenticated boron hydroperoxides, acyclic boron organylperoxides, and neutral peroxo-bridged diboron species. The subporphyrin B-peroxides thus prepared were investigated through their crystal structures, IR spectra, and cyclic voltammograms as well as by DFT calculations. The subporphyrin B-hydroperoxide oxidizes triphenylphosphine quantitatively to triphenylphosphine oxide.

New hybrid porphyrin tapes comprising meso-3,5-di-tert-butylphenyl-substituted Zn^II-porphyrins (D) and meso-pentafluorophenyl-substituted Zn^II-porphyrins (A) were synthesized via cross-condensation of meso-formyl porphyrins 1, 5, and 9 with oligopyrromethanes 2 and 6 as key steps. These hybrid tapes exhibit improved solubilities and enhanced chemical stability as compared with original Dn porphyrin tapes, and all display remarkably coplanar structures favorable for π-conjugation. The absorption spectrum of ADDA displays Q-like bands at 1400 and 1657 nm with a vibronic structure characteristic of porphyrinoids. The cyclic voltammograms exhibited positively shifted oxidation and reduction waves in the order of DDD<DAD<ADA<AAA. Tetrameric tape ADDA displays five reversible waves in a narrow range of 1.13 V. Two-photon absorption (TPA) measurement confirmed that the π-conjugation path is extended from 12 to ADDA and the molecular polarizability of ADA is larger than that of AAA.

Directly 2,12- and 2,8-linked Zn^II porphyrin oligomers were prepared from 2,12- and 2,8-diborylated Zn^II porphyrin by a cross platinum-induced coupling with a 2-borylated Zn^II porphyrin end unit followed by a triphenylphosphine (PPh₃)-mediated reductive elimination. Comparative studies on the steady-state absorption and fluorescence spectra and the fluorescence lifetimes led to a conclusion that the exciton in the S₁ state is delocalized over approximately four and two Zn^II porphyrin units for 2,12- and 2,8-linked Zn^II porphyrin arrays, respectively.

Phthalocyanine (Pc) and porphyrin (Por) chromophores have been fused through the benzo[α]pyrazine moiety, resulting in unprecedented heteroleptic tetrapyrrole-fused dimers and trimers. The heteroleptic tetrapyrrole nature has been clearly revealed based on single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of the zinc dimer. Electrochemical analysis, theoretical calculations, and time-resolved spectroscopic results disclose that the two/three-tetrapyrrole-fused skeletons behave as one totally π-conjugated system as a result of the strong conjugative interaction between/among the tetrapyrrole chromophores. In particular, the effectively extended π-electron system through the fused-bridge induced strong electronic communication between the Pc and Por moieties and large transition dipole moments in the Pc–Por-fused systems, providing high fluorescence quantum yields (>0.13) and relatively long excited state lifetimes (>1.3 ns) in comparison with their homo-tetrapyrrole-fused analogues.

Acid-catalyzed [3+3] condensation reactions of two hitherto unknown tripyrrane moieties with pentafluorobenzaldehyde has led to the formation of new generation heteroannulene (4.1.4.1) and mutant heteroannulene (1.1.1.1.1.1). Inclusion of local π-aromatic sextets, namely the N-methyl pyrrole rings through β,β-linkages and α,β-linkages, has led to the isolation of first ever heteroannulenes cross-conjugated at four points and two points respectively within the macrocycles.

Porphyrin-stabilized meso- or β-carbocations were generated upon treatment of the corresponding bis(4-tert-butylphenyl)porphyrinylcarbinols with trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). Bis(4-tert-butylphenyl)porphyrinylcarbinols were treated with TFA to generate the corresponding carbocations stabilized by a meso- or β-porphyrinyl group. The meso-porphyrinylmethyl carbocation displayed more effective charge delocalization with decreasing aromaticity compared with the β-porphyrinylmethyl carbocation. A propeller-like porphyrin trimer, tris(β-porphyrinyl)carbinol, was also synthesized and converted to the corresponding cation that displayed a more intensified absorption reaching over the NIR region. meso-Porphyrinylmethyl carbanion was generated as a stable species upon deprotonation of bis(4-tert-butylphenyl)(meso-porphyrinyl)methane with potassium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide (KHMDS) and [18]crown-6, whereas β-porphyrinylmethyl anions were highly unstable.

Two hitherto unknown planar aromatic [30] fused heterocyclic macrocycles (1.1.0.1.1.0), with NIR absorption in free-base form and protonation-induced enhanced NIR emission, have been synthesized from easy to make precursors. The induced correspondence of fusion on the macrocyclic structure, electronic absorption, and emission spectra have been highlighted.

The synthesis of a planar expanded meso porphyrin with an intramolecular para-phenylene-bridged core is reported. The planarity of the octaphyrin macrocycle was confirmed by single-crystal X-ray structural analysis, in which the bridged para-phenylene unit deviated by 27° from the mean macrocyclic plane. Spectroscopic analyses and theoretical calculations suggested that the macrocycle was Hückel aromatic and followed a major [34 π] single-conjugation pathway, which indicated that the bridging para-phenylene unit was not involved in the macrocyclic conjugation. Analysis of the photophysical properties of this system by steady-state absorption/fluorescence spectroscopy and transient absorption spectroscopy revealed moderate enhancement in the parameters of the octaphyrin as compared to its non-bridged octaphyrin congeners, which was attributed to the planarity and rigidity of the macrocycle as imposed by the bridging para-phenylene unit. Preliminary anion-binding studies revealed that the protonated macrocycle bound selectively with chloride ions through N−H⋅⋅⋅Cl hydrogen-bonding interactions.

A contracted doubly N-confused dioxohexaphyrin derivative served as a dinucleating metal ligand for unsymmetrical coordination. The complexation of two palladium(II) cations led to the formation of π-radical species that were persistent in atmospheric air in the presence of moisture. Effective delocalization of an unpaired electron over the hexaphyrin backbone could contribute to the distinct chemical stability.

Tetrabenzotetraaza[8]circulene (1) has been synthesized in good yield by a “fold-in” oxidative fusion reaction of a 1,2-phenylene-bridged cyclic tetrapyrrole. X-ray diffraction analysis of 1 has revealed a planar square structure with a central cyclooctatetraene (COT) core that shows little alternation of the bond lengths. Despite these structural features, 1 shows aromatic-like character, such as sharp absorption bands, high fluorescence quantum yields (Φ_F=0.55 in THF), and a single exponential fluorescence decay with τ_F=3.8 ns. These observations indicate a dominant contribution of an [8]radialene-like π conjugation and hence aromatic character of the local aromatic segments in 1.

Unprecedented neutral perylene-3,4:9,10-tetracarboxylic acid bisimide (PBI) radicals and biradicals were synthesized by facile chemical oxidation of 4-hydroxyaryl-substituted PBIs. Subsequent characterization by optical and magnetic spectroscopic techniques, as well as quantum chemical calculations, revealed an open-shell singlet biradical ground state for the PBI biradical OS-2^.. (〈s²〉=1.2191) with a relatively small singlet–triplet energy gap of 0.041 eV and a large singlet biradical character of y=0.72.

A set of 5,15-biphenylene-bridged porphyrin wheels, namely, [n]cyclo-5,15-porphyrinylene-4,4′-biphenylenes [n]CPB, have been synthesized through the platination of 5,15-bis(4-(pinacolboranyl)phenyl) nickel(II) porphyrin and subsequent reductive elimination of Pt^II(cod)-bridged cyclic porphyrin intermediates. The calculated strain energies for [3]CPB, [4]CPB, [5]CPB, and [6]CPB are 49.3, 32.9, 23.5, and 16.0 kcal mol⁻¹, respectively. UV/Vis absorption spectra and cyclic voltammetry indicated characteristic ring-size-dependent absorption-peak shifts and redox-potential shifts, which presumably reflect the degree of strain in the π-systems. Excitation-energy hopping (EEH) times were determined to be 5.1, 8.0, 8.0, and 9.6 ps for [3]CPB, [4]CPB, [5]CPB, and [6]CPB, respectively, in a pump-power-dependent TA experiment.

The reaction of [26]hexaphyrin with triethylamine in the presence of BF₃⋅OEt₂ and O₂ furnished a diastereomeric mixture of a diethylamine-bearing [28]hexaphyrin as a rare example of a Möbius aromatic metal-free expanded porphyrin. The Möbius aromaticity of these molecules is large, as indicated by their large diatropic ring currents, which are even preserved at 100 °C, owing to their internally multiply bridged robust structure with a smooth conjugation network. These molecules were reduced with NaBH₄ to give an antiaromatic [28]hexaphyrin, and were oxidized with MnO₂ to give aromatic [26]hexaphyrins, both through a Möbius-to-Hückel topology switch induced by a CN bond cleavage.

A contracted doubly N-confused dioxohexaphyrin derivative served as a dinucleating metal ligand for unsymmetrical coordination. The complexation of two palladium(II) cations led to the formation of π-radical species that were persistent in atmospheric air in the presence of moisture. Effective delocalization of an unpaired electron over the hexaphyrin backbone could contribute to the distinct chemical stability.

Tetrabenzotetraaza[8]circulene (1) has been synthesized in good yield by a “fold-in” oxidative fusion reaction of a 1,2-phenylene-bridged cyclic tetrapyrrole. X-ray diffraction analysis of 1 has revealed a planar square structure with a central cyclooctatetraene (COT) core that shows little alternation of the bond lengths. Despite these structural features, 1 shows aromatic-like character, such as sharp absorption bands, high fluorescence quantum yields (Φ_F=0.55 in THF), and a single exponential fluorescence decay with τ_F=3.8 ns. These observations indicate a dominant contribution of an [8]radialene-like π conjugation and hence aromatic character of the local aromatic segments in 1.

Unprecedented neutral perylene-3,4:9,10-tetracarboxylic acid bisimide (PBI) radicals and biradicals were synthesized by facile chemical oxidation of 4-hydroxyaryl-substituted PBIs. Subsequent characterization by optical and magnetic spectroscopic techniques, as well as quantum chemical calculations, revealed an open-shell singlet biradical ground state for the PBI biradical OS-2^.. (〈s²〉=1.2191) with a relatively small singlet–triplet energy gap of 0.041 eV and a large singlet biradical character of y=0.72.

A set of 5,15-biphenylene-bridged porphyrin wheels, namely, [n]cyclo-5,15-porphyrinylene-4,4′-biphenylenes [n]CPB, have been synthesized through the platination of 5,15-bis(4-(pinacolboranyl)phenyl) nickel(II) porphyrin and subsequent reductive elimination of Pt^II(cod)-bridged cyclic porphyrin intermediates. The calculated strain energies for [3]CPB, [4]CPB, [5]CPB, and [6]CPB are 49.3, 32.9, 23.5, and 16.0 kcal mol⁻¹, respectively. UV/Vis absorption spectra and cyclic voltammetry indicated characteristic ring-size-dependent absorption-peak shifts and redox-potential shifts, which presumably reflect the degree of strain in the π-systems. Excitation-energy hopping (EEH) times were determined to be 5.1, 8.0, 8.0, and 9.6 ps for [3]CPB, [4]CPB, [5]CPB, and [6]CPB, respectively, in a pump-power-dependent TA experiment.

In this work, we have elucidated in detail the folding properties of two perylene bisimide (PBI) foldamers composed of two and three PBI units, respectively, attached to a phenylene ethynylene backbone. The folding behaviors of these new PBI folda-dimer and trimer have been studied by solvent-dependent UV/Vis absorption and 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, revealing facile folding of both systems in tetrahydrofuran (THF). In CHCl₃ the dimer exists in extended (unfolded) conformation, whereas partially folded conformations are observed in the trimer. Temperature-dependent ¹H NMR spectroscopic studies in [D₈]THF revealed intramolecular dynamic processes for both PBI foldamers due to, on the one hand, hindered rotation around CN imide bonds and, on the other hand, backbone flapping; the latter process being energetically more demanding as it was observed only at elevated temperature. The structural features of folded conformations of the dimer and trimer have been elucidated by different 2D-NMR spectroscopy (e.g., ROESY and DOSY) in [D₈]THF. The energetics of folding processes for the PBI dimer and trimer have been assessed by calculations applying various methods, particularly the semiempirical PM6-DH2 and the more sophisticated B97D approach, in which relevant dispersion corrections are included. These calculations corroborate the results of NMR spectroscopic studies. Folding features in the excited states of these PBI foldamers have been characterized by using time-resolved fluorescence and transient absorption spectroscopy in THF and CHCl₃, exhibiting similar solvent-dependent behavior as observed for the ground state. Interestingly, photoinduced electron transfer (PET) process from electron-donating backbone to electron-deficient PBI core for extended, but not for folded, conformations was observed, which can be explained by a fast relaxation of excited PBI stacks in the folded conformation into fluorescent excimer states.

[52]Dodecaphyrin(1.1.0.1.1.0.1.1.0.1.1.0) was quantitatively oxidized with 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone (DDQ) to the corresponding [50]dodecaphyrin. Further oxidation of [50]dodecaphyrin with MnO₂ quantitatively afforded [48]dodecaphyrin. Of the three, [50]dodecaphyrin showed Hückel aromatic character as the largest aromatic molecule reported to date. Protonation of [50]dodecaphyrin with methanesulfonic acid (MSA) led to the formation of a planar tetraprotonated species that displayed a sharp and intense Soret-like band at 906 nm with ε=6.5×10⁵ M⁻¹ cm⁻¹ and Q-band-like bands at 1346 and 1600 nm.

A series of new β-functionalized push–pull-structured porphyrin dyes were synthesized so as to investigate the effect of the π-conjugated spacer on the performance of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Suzuki- and Heck-type palladium-catalyzed coupling methodologies were used to obtain various β-functionalized porphyrins and β-benzoic acid (ZnPHn) and β-vinylbenzoic acid (ZnPVn) derivatives from β-borylated porphyrin precursors. Photophysical studies of the resulting porphyrins revealed a clear dependence on the nature of the β linker. In particular, it was found that a β-vinylene linkage perturbs the electronic structure of the porphyrin core; this is less true for a β-phenyl linkage. Theoretical analyses provided support for the intrinsic intramolecular charge-transfer character of the β-functionalized, push–pull porphyrins of this study. The extent of charge transfer depends on the nature of the β-conjugated linkage. The photovoltaic performances of the cells sensitized with β-phenylenevinylene ZnPVn exhibited higher power conversion efficiency values than those bearing β-phenyl linkages (ZnPHn). This was ascribed to differences in light-harvesting efficiency. Furthermore, compared to the use of a standard iodine-based electrolyte, the DSSC performance of cells made from the present porphyrins was improved by more than 1 % upon using a cobalt(II/III)-based electrolyte. Under standard AM 1.5 illumination, the highest efficiency, 8.2 %, was obtained by using cells made from the doubly β-butadiene-linked porphyrin.

Three meso-expanded tetrapyrrolic aromatic macrocycles, including 22π and 26π acetylene–cumulene bridged stretched octamethoxyporphycenes and octamethoxy[22]porphyrin-(2.2.2.2), are reported, for the first time, by modification of previously reported synthetic methods. This strategy led to an enhancement in the overall yield of their corresponding octaethyl analogues. The methoxy-substituted expanded porphycenes display slightly blueshifted absorption relative to their ethyl analogues, along with very weak fluorescence, probably due to efficient intramolecular charge transfer (ICT). Additionally, the two-photon absorption (TPA) cross sections of these macrocycles were evaluated; these are strongly related to core expansion of the porphyrin aromaticity through increased meso-bridging carbon atoms as well as conformational flexibility and substitution effects at the macrocyclic periphery. In particular, the octamethoxy stretched porphycenes display strong TPA compared with the octaethyl analogues due to the dominant ICT character of methoxy groups with a maximum TPA cross section of 830 GM at 1700 nm observed for 26π-octamethoxyacetylene–cumuleneporphycene.

Azobenzene-bridged β-to-β and meso-to-meso porphyrin nanorings were successfully synthesized by a palladium-catalyzed Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reaction in a logical synthesis. The dimeric structure was confirmed by XRD analysis. The azo linkages in di- and tetramers are in the all-trans conformation, whereas in the trimers one azo linkage can be interconverted between cis and trans under external stimulation. When trimeric isomers are heated to 333 K or higher, the azo linkages will be in the all-trans configurations: the pure all-trans trimer can be kept in the dark for several months. Fluorescence anisotropy and pump-power-dependent decay results revealed excitation energy transfer for azobenzene-bridged zinc–porphyrin nanorings. The distances between porphyrin units of these azobenzene-bridged porphyrin arrays are almost the same, but the exciton energy hopping (EEH) times for each wheel are markedly different. The dimer and meso-to-meso tetramer possess relatively short excitation energy transfer (EET) times (1.28 and 2.48 ps, respectively) due to their good planarity and rigidity. In contrast, the EET time for the trimeric zinc(II)–porphyrin array (6.9 ps) is relatively long due to its nonradiative decay pathway (i.e., cis/trans isomerization of azobenzene). Both di- and tetramers exhibit relatively high fluorescence quantum yields, whereas the trimers show weak emission because of structural differences.

Fusion of two N-annulated perylene (NP) units with a fused porphyrin dimer along the S₀–S₁ electronic transition moment axis has resulted in new near-infrared (NIR) dyes 1 a/1 b with very intense absorption (ε>1.3×10⁵ M⁻¹ cm⁻¹) beyond 1250 nm. Both compounds displayed moderate NIR fluorescence with fluorescence quantum yields of 4.4×10⁻⁶ and 6.0×10⁻⁶ for 1 a and 1 b, respectively. The NP-substituted porphyrin dimers 2 a/2 b have also been obtained by controlled oxidative coupling and cyclodehydrogenation, and they showed superimposed absorptions of the fused porphyrin dimer and the NP chromophore. The excited-state dynamics of all of these compounds have been studied by femtosecond transient absorption measurements, which revealed porphyrin dimer-like behaviour. These new chromophores also exhibited good nonlinear optical susceptibility with large two-photon absorption cross-sections in the NIR region due to extended π-conjugation. Time-dependent density functional theory calculations have been performed to aid our understanding of their electronic structures and absorption spectra.

The reaction of [26]hexaphyrin with triethylamine in the presence of BF₃⋅OEt₂ and O₂ furnished a diastereomeric mixture of a diethylamine-bearing [28]hexaphyrin as a rare example of a Möbius aromatic metal-free expanded porphyrin. The Möbius aromaticity of these molecules is large, as indicated by their large diatropic ring currents, which are even preserved at 100 °C, owing to their internally multiply bridged robust structure with a smooth conjugation network. These molecules were reduced with NaBH₄ to give an antiaromatic [28]hexaphyrin, and were oxidized with MnO₂ to give aromatic [26]hexaphyrins, both through a Möbius-to-Hückel topology switch induced by a CN bond cleavage.

A set of hybrids having gradual variation in distances between hexaphyrin and bodipy moieties, given by uses of phenylene, biphenylene, and triphenyelene bridges was prepared. Efficient PET processes from bodipy (donor) to [26]- or [28]hexaphyrin (acceptor) were successfully observed, where the PET speed was controlled by intramolecular distances between the donor and the acceptor. UV irradiation at 515 nm raised a band corresponding to the bodipy absorption. As the time delayed, the bodipy bands decreased and new absorption bands at 615 and 580 nm corresponding to respective absorption bands of [28]- and [26]-hybrids gradually appeared. Whereas the femtosecond transient absorption spectra of [28]/[26]-hybrids having terphenylene bridges completely showed energy transfers from bodipy to hexaphyrin, irradiation of the hybrids using 615 and 580 nm pulses did not induce opposite ways of the PET process. On the basis of enlarged center-to-center-distances of [26]-hybrids than those of [28]-hybrids, the set of [26]-hybrids resulted in slow decay/rise processes. PET parameters obtained with the experiments were fairly consistent with the PET parameters calculated.

Perylene bisimide (PBI) derivatives with various alkynyl–phenyl substituents at a single bay position have been synthesised by Sonogashira coupling. NMR spectroscopic studies reveal the unsymmetric nature of the dyads. All of the dyads undergo two reversible reductions, which demonstrates their structural and electrochemical rigidity. The synthesised dyads show a remarkable redshift in their absorption maxima and sharp vibronic progression. Electron-rich substituents facilitate efficient charge transfer from the substituent HOMO to the electron-deficient PBI core. The most interesting spectral signatures were exhibited by a PBI with a strongly electron-donating ethynyl(dimethylaminophenyl) substituent. The steady-state features of this PBI showed a broad absorption that covered almost the whole visible region with no emission. A twisted intramolecular charge-transfer (TICT) process, related to the rotational motion of ethynyl(dimethylaminophenyl) PBI, was also demonstrated. Computational investigations shed light on the coplanarity of the various substituents with respect to the PBI core; the PBI core itself remains flat without any noticeable deformation even after mono-functionalisation. This illustrates that mono-functionalisation exerts meagre steric hindrance on the bay positions relative to disubstituted analogues. Despite several previous reports on the structural characterisation of 1,7-disubstituted PBI derivatives, we present the first structural characterisation of a mono-bay ethynyl-phenyl substituted PBI. The solid-state structure of the phenyl derivative has a flat PBI core without any noticeable steric constraints from the substituents, as predicted. In contrast, single-crystal X-ray analysis for the mono-bromo bay-substituted PBI shows that the bromine substituent is not in the plane of the PBI core.

A cross-conjugated hexaphyrin that carries two meso-oxacyclohexadienylidenyl (OCH) groups 9 was synthesized from the condensation of 5,10-bis(pentafluorophenyl)tripyrrane with 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde. The reduction of 9 with NaBH₄ afforded the Möbius aromatic [28]hexaphyrin 10. Bis-rhodium complex 11, prepared from the reaction of 10 with [{RhCl(CO)₂}₂], displays strong Hückel antiaromatic character because of the 28 π electrons that occupy the conjugated circuit on the enforced planar structure. The oxidation of 11 with 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone (DDQ) yielded complexes 12 and 13 depending upon the reaction conditions. Both 12 and 13 are planar owing to bis-rhodium metalation. Although complex 12 bears two meso-OCH groups at the long sides and is quinonoidal and nonaromatic in nature, complex 13 bears 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl and OCH groups and exhibits a moderate diatropic ring current despite its cross-conjugated electronic circuit. The diatropic ring current increases upon increasing the solvent polarity, most likely due to an increased contribution of an aromatic zwitterionic resonance hybrid.

meso-Bromosubporphyrin undergoes nucleophilic aromatic substitution (S_NAr) reactions with arylamines, diarylamines, phenols, ethanol, thiophenols, and n-butanethiol in the presence of suitable bases to provide the corresponding substitution products. The S_NAr reactions also proceed well with pyrrole, indole, and carbazole to provide substitution products in moderate to good yields. Finally, the S_NAr reaction with 2-bromothiophenol and subsequent intramolecular peripheral arylation reaction affords a thiopyrane-fused subporphyrin.

Among ternary oxides, Zn₂SnO₄ (ZSO) is considered for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) because of its wide bandgap, high optical transmittance, and high electrical conductivity. However, ZSO-based DSSCs have a poor performance record owing largely to the absence of systematic efforts to enhance their performance. Herein, general strategies are proposed to improve the performance of ZSO-based DSSCs involving interfacial engineering/modification of the photoanode. A conformal ZSO thin film (blocking layer) deposited at the fluorine-doped tin oxide–electrolyte interface by pulsed laser deposition suppressed the back-electron transfer effectively while maintaining a high optical transmittance, which resulted in a 22 % improvement in the short-circuit photocurrent density. Surface modification of ZSO nanoparticles (NPs) resulted in an ultrathin ZnO shell layer, a 9 % improvement in the open-circuit voltage, and a 4 % improvement in the fill factor because of the reduced electron recombination at the ZSO NPs–electrolyte interface. The ZSO-based DSSCs exhibited a faster charge injection and electron transport than their TiO₂-based counterparts, and their superior properties were not inhibited by the ZnO shell layer, which indicates their feasibility for highly efficient DSSCs. Each interfacial engineering strategy could be applied to the ZSO-based DSSC independently to lead to an improved conversion efficiency of 6 %, a very high conversion efficiency for a non-TiO₂ based DSSC.

Polycyclic hydrocarbon compounds with a singlet biradical ground state show unique physical properties and promising material applications; therefore, it is important to understand the fundamental structure/biradical character/physical properties relationships. In this study, para-quinodimethane (p-QDM)-bridged quinoidal perylene dimers 4 and 5 with different fusion modes and their corresponding aromatic counterparts, the pericondensed quaterrylenes 6 and 7, were synthesized. Their ground-state electronic structures and physical properties were studied by using various experiments assisted with DFT calculations. The proaromatic p-QDM-bridged perylene monoimide dimer 4 has a singlet biradical ground state with a small singlet/triplet energy gap (−2.97 kcal mol⁻¹), whereas the antiaromatic s-indacene-bridged N-annulated perylene dimer 5 exists as a closed-shell quinoid with an obvious intramolecular charge-transfer character. Both of these dimers showed shorter singlet excited-state lifetimes, larger two-photon-absorption cross sections, and smaller energy gaps than the corresponding aromatic quaterrylene derivatives 6 and 7, respectively. Our studies revealed how the fusion mode and aromaticity affect the ground state and, consequently, the photophysical properties and electronic properties of a series of extended polycyclic hydrocarbon compounds.

An artificial light-harvesting multiporphyrin dendrimer (8P_ZnP_FB) composed of a focal freebase porphyrin (P_FB) with eight zinc(II) porphyrin (P_Zn) wings exhibited unique photophysical property switching in response to specific guest molecule binding. UV/Vis titration studies indicated stable 1:2 host–guest complex formation between 8P_ZnP_FB and meso-tetrakis(4-pyridyl)-porphyrin (TPyP) for which the first and second association constants were estimated to be >10⁸ M⁻¹ and 3.0×10⁷ M⁻¹, respectively. 8P_ZnP_FB originally shows 94 % energy transfer efficiency from P_Zn to the focal P_FB. By the formation of the host–guest complex (8P_ZnP_FB⋅2TPyP) the emission intensity of 8P_ZnP_FB is significantly decreased, and an ultrafast charge separation state is generated. The energy transfer process from P_Zn wings to the P_FB core in 8P_ZnP_FB is almost entirely switched to an electron transfer process by the formation of 8P_ZnP_FB⋅2TPyP.

The treatment of an antiaromatic norcorrole Ni^II complex with a kinetically stabilized silylene provided ring-expansion products in excellent yields through the highly regio- and stereoselective insertion into the β-β pyrrolic CC bonds. The resultant Ni^II porphyrinoid monoinsertion product exhibited relatively strong near-IR absorption bands due to the small HOMO–LUMO gap in spite of the disrupted cyclic π-conjugation by the silicon atom.

The treatment of an antiaromatic norcorrole Ni^II complex with a kinetically stabilized silylene provided ring-expansion products in excellent yields through the highly regio- and stereoselective insertion into the β-β pyrrolic CC bonds. The resultant Ni^II porphyrinoid monoinsertion product exhibited relatively strong near-IR absorption bands due to the small HOMO–LUMO gap in spite of the disrupted cyclic π-conjugation by the silicon atom.

Protonation of meso-aryl [28]hexaphyrins(1.1.1.1.1.1) triggered conformational changes. Whereas protonation with trifluoroacetic acid led to the formation of monoprotonated Möbius aromatic species, protonation with methanesulfonic acid led to the formation of diprotonated triangular antiaromatic species. A peripherally hexaphenylated [28]hexaphyrin was rationally designed and prepared to undergo diprotonation to favorably afford a triangular-shaped antiaromatic species.

7,8-Dehydropurpurin has attracted much attention owing to the dual 18π- and 20π-electron circuits in its macrocyclic conjugation. The two-fold Pd-catalyzed [3+2] annulation of meso-bromoporphyrin with 1,4-diphenylbutadiyne furnished 7,8-dehydropurpurin dimers. The 8^a,8^a-linked dimer displays a red-shifted and enhanced absorption band in the NIR region and a small electrochemical HOMO–LUMO band gap as a consequence of efficient conjugation between the two coplanar 7,8-dehydropurpurin units. Treatment of this dimer with N-bromosuccinimide in chloroform and ethanol gave β-to-β vinylene-bridged porphyrin dimers. Owing to the highly constrained conformations, these dimers exhibit perturbed absorption spectra, small Stokes shifts, and high fluorescence quantum yields.

Direct β-to-β linked branched and cyclic porphyrin trimers and pentamers have been synthesized by the Suzuki–Miyaura coupling of β-borylporphyrins and β-bromoporphyrins. The cyclic porphyrin trimer, the smallest directly linked cyclic porphyrin wheel to date, and its twined pentamer, exhibit small electrochemical HOMO–LUMO gaps, broad nonsplit Soret bands, and red-shifted Q-bands, thus indicating large electronic interactions between the constituent porphyrin units.

Reductive metalation of [44]decaphyrin with [Pd₂(dba)₃] provided a Hückel aromatic [46]decaphyrin Pd^II complex, which was readily oxidized upon treatment with DDQ to produce a Hückel antiaromatic [44]decaphyrin Pd^II complex. In CH₂Cl₂ solution the latter complex underwent slow tautomerization to a Möbius aromatic [44]decaphyrin Pd^II complex which exists as a mixture of conformers in dynamic equilibrium. To the best of our knowledge, these three Pd^II complexes represent the largest Hückel aromatic, Hückel antiaromatic, and Möbius aromatic complexes to date.

Protonation of meso-aryl [28]hexaphyrins(1.1.1.1.1.1) triggered conformational changes. Whereas protonation with trifluoroacetic acid led to the formation of monoprotonated Möbius aromatic species, protonation with methanesulfonic acid led to the formation of diprotonated triangular antiaromatic species. A peripherally hexaphenylated [28]hexaphyrin was rationally designed and prepared to undergo diprotonation to favorably afford a triangular-shaped antiaromatic species.

Reductive metalation of [44]decaphyrin with [Pd₂(dba)₃] provided a Hückel aromatic [46]decaphyrin Pd^II complex, which was readily oxidized upon treatment with DDQ to produce a Hückel antiaromatic [44]decaphyrin Pd^II complex. In CH₂Cl₂ solution the latter complex underwent slow tautomerization to a Möbius aromatic [44]decaphyrin Pd^II complex which exists as a mixture of conformers in dynamic equilibrium. To the best of our knowledge, these three Pd^II complexes represent the largest Hückel aromatic, Hückel antiaromatic, and Möbius aromatic complexes to date.

A p-quinodimethane (p-QDM)-bridged porphyrin dimer 1 has been prepared for the first time. An unexpected Michael addition reaction took place when we attempted to synthesize compound 1 by reaction of the cross-conjugated keto-linked porphyrin dimers 8 a and 8 b with alkynyl/aryl Grignard reagents. Alternatively, compound 1 could be successfully prepared by intramolecular Friedel–Crafts alkylation of the diol-linked porphyrin dimer 14 with concomitant oxidation in air. Compound 1 shows intense one-photon absorption (OPA, λ_max=955 nm, ε=45400 M⁻¹ cm⁻¹) and a large two-photon absorption (TPA) cross-section (σ⁽²⁾_max=2080 GM at 1800 nm) in the near-infrared (NIR) region due to its extended π-conjugation and quinoidal character. It also exhibits a short singlet excited-state lifetime of 25 ps. The cyclic voltammogram of 1 displays multiple redox waves with a small electrochemical energy gap of 0.86 eV. The ground-state geometry, electronic structure, and optical properties of 1 have been further studied by density functional theory (DFT) calculations and compared with those of the keto-linked dimer 8 b. This research has revealed that incorporation of a p-QDM unit into the porphyrin framework had a significant impact on its optical and electronic properties, leading to a novel NIR OPA and TPA chromophore.

We have investigated the photophysical properties of star-shaped oligothiophenes with three terthiophene arms (meta to each other, S3) or six terthiophene arms (ortho-, meta-, and para-arranged, S6) connected to an ethynylbenzene core to elucidate the relationship between their molecular structure and electronic properties by using a combination of ensemble and single-molecule spectroscopic techniques. We postulate two different conformations for molecules S3 and S6 on the basis of the X-ray structure of hexakis(5-hexyl-2-thienlyethynyl)benzene and suggest the coexistence of these conformers by using spectroscopic methods. From the steady-state spectroscopic data of compound S6, we show that the exciton is delocalized over the core structure, but that the meta-linkage in compound S3 prevents the electronic communication between the arms. However, in single-molecule spectroscopic measurements, we observed that some molecules of compound S3 showed long fluorescence lifetimes (about 1.4 ns) in the fluorescence-intensity trajectories, which indicated that π electrons were delocalized along the meta linker. Based on these observations, we suggest that the delocalized exciton is intensely sensitive towards the dihedral angle between the core and the adjacent thiophene ring, as well as to the substituted position of the terthiophene arms. Our results highlight that the fluorescence lifetimes of compounds S3 and S6 are strongly correlated with the spatial location of their excitons, which is mainly affected by their conformation, that is, whether the innermost thiophene rings are facing each other or not. More interestingly, we observed that the difference between the degrees of ring-torsional flexibility of compounds S3 and S6 results in their sharply contrasting fluorescence properties, such as a change in fluorescence intensity as a function of temperature.

A series of tetrathiafulvalene (TTF)-annulated porphyrins, and their corresponding Zn^II complexes, have been synthesized. Detailed electrochemical, photophysical, and theoretical studies reveal the effects of intramolecular charge-transfer transitions that originate from the TTF fragments to the macrocyclic core. The incremental synthetic addition of TTF moieties to the porphyrin core makes the species more susceptible to these charge-transfer (CT) effects as evidenced by spectroscopic studies. On the other hand, regular positive shifts in the reduction signals are seen in the square-wave voltammograms as the number of TTF subunits increases. Structural studies that involve the tetrakis-substituted TTF–porphyrin (both free-base and Zn^II complex) reveal only modest deviations from planarity. The effect of TTF substitution is thus ascribed to electronic overlap between annulated TTF subunits rather than steric effects. The directly linked thiafulvalene subunits function as both π acceptors as well as σ donors. Whereas σ donation accounts for the substituent-dependent charge-transfer transitions, it is the π-acceptor nature of the appended tetrathiafulvalene groups that dominates the redox chemistry. Interactions between the subunits are also reflected in the square-wave voltammograms. In the case of the free-base derivatives that bear multiple TTF subunits, the neighboring TTF units, as well as the TTF^⋅+ generated through one-electron oxidation, can interact with each other; this gives rise to multiple signals in the square-wave voltammograms. On the other hand, after metalation, the electronic communication between the separate TTF moieties becomes restricted and they act as separate redox centers under conditions of oxidation. Thus only two signals, which correspond to TTF^.+ and TTF²⁺, are observed. The reduction potentials are also seen to shift towards more negative values after metalation, a finding that is considered to reflect an increased HOMO–LUMO gap. To probe the excited-state dynamics and internal CT character, transient absorption spectral studies were performed. These analyses revealed that all the TTF–porphyrins of this study display relatively short excited-state lifetimes, which range from 1 to 20 ps. This reflects a very fast decay to the ground state and is consistent with the proposed intramolecular charge-transfer effects inferred from the ground-state studies. Complementary DFT calculations provide a mechanistic rationale for the electron flow within the TTF–porphyrins and support the proposed intramolecular charge-transfer interactions and π-acceptor effects.

A 1,3-phenylene-bridged hexameric Zn^II porphyrin wheel was synthesized by a Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reaction through a one-pot or a stepwise route. The hexameric wheel structure was revealed by using X-ray diffraction analysis. The porphyrin wheel exhibits a split Soret band due to effective exciton coupling and displays efficient excitation energy transfer along the wheel. Measurements of fluorescence anisotropy decay and pump-power-dependent decay reveal a rapid excitation energy hopping along the wheel with a rate of 1.4 ps.

Two examples of core-modified 36π doubly fused octaphyrins that undergo a conformational change from a twisted figure-eight to an open-extended structure induced by protonation are reported. Syntheses of the two octaphyrins (in which Ar=mesityl or tolyl) were achieved by a simple acid-catalyzed condensation of dipyrrane unit containing an electron-rich, rigid dithienothiophene (DTT) core with pentafluorobenzaldehyde followed by oxidation with 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone (DDQ). The single-crystal X-ray structure of the octaphyrin (in which Ar=mesityl) shows a figure-eight twisted conformation of the expanded porphyrin skeleton with two DTT moieties oriented in a staggered conformation with a π-cloud distance of 3.7 Å. Spectroscopic and quantum mechanical calculations reveal that both octaphyrins conform to a [4n]π nonaromatic electronic structure. Protonation of the pyrrole nitrogen atoms of the octaphyrins results in dramatic structural change, which led to 1) a large redshift and sharpening of absorption bands in electronic absorption spectrum, 2) a large change in chemical shift of pyrrole β-CH and NH protons in the ¹H NMR spectrum, 3) a small increase in singlet lifetimes, and 4) a moderate increase in two-photon absorption cross-section values. Furthermore, nucleus-independent chemical shift (NICS) values calculated at various geometrical positions show positive values and anisotropy-induced current density (AICD) plots indicate paratropic ring-currents for the diprotonated form of the octaphyrin (in which Ar=tolyl); the single-crystal X-ray structure of the diprotonated form of the octaphyrin shows an extended structure in which one of the pyrrole ring of each dipyrrin subunit undergoes a 180 ° ring-flip. Four trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) molecules are bound above and below the molecular plane defined by meso-carbon atoms and are held by NH⋅⋅⋅O, NH⋅⋅⋅F, and CH⋅⋅⋅F intermolecular hydrogen-bonding interactions. The extended-open structure upon protonation allows π-delocalization and the electronic structure conforms to a [4n]π Hückel antiaromatic in the diprotonated state.

We have demonstrated that the iridium-catalyzed direct borylation of hexa-peri-hexabenzocoronene (HBC) enables regioselective introduction of boryl groups to the para-, ortho-, and meta-substituted HBCs in high yields. The boryl groups have been transformed into various functionalities such as hydroxy, cyano, ethynyl, and amino groups. We have elucidated that the substituents significantly influence the photophysical properties of HBCs to enhance fluorescence quantum yields. DFT calculations revealed that the origin of the substituent effect is the lift in degeneracy in the frontier orbitals by an interaction with electron-donating and electron-withdrawing substituents at the para- and ortho-positions. The change in molecular orbitals results in an increase of the transition probability from the S₀S₁ states. In addition, the two-photon absorption cross-section values of para-substituted HBCs are significantly larger than those of ortho- and meta-substituted HBCs.

A new dicyanodistyrylbenzene-based phasmidic molecule, (2Z,2′Z)-2,2′-(1,4-phenylene)bis(3-(3,4,5-tris(dodecyloxy)phenyl)acrylonitrile), GDCS, is reported, which forms a hexagonal columnar liquid crystal (LC) phase at room temperature (RT). GDCS molecules self-assemble into supramolecular disks consisting of a pair of molecules in a side-by-side disposition assisted by secondary bonding interactions of the lateral polar cyano group, which, in turn, constitute the hexagonal columnar LC structure. GDCS shows very intense green/yellow fluorescence in liquid/solid crystalline states, respectively, in contrast to the total absence of fluorescence emission in the isotropic melt state according to the characteristic aggregation-induced enhanced emission (AIEE) behavior. The AIEE and two-color luminescence thermochromism of GDCS are attributed to the peculiar intra- and intermolecular interactions of dipolar cyanostilbene units. It was found that the intramolecular planarization and restricted molecular motion associated with a specific stacking situation in the liquid/solid crystalline phases are responsible for the AIEE phenomenon. The origin of the two-color luminescence was elucidated to be due to the interdisk stacking alteration in a given column driven by the specific local dipole coupling between molecular disks. These stacking changes, in turn, resulted in the different degree of excited-state dimeric coupling to give different emission colors. To understand the complicated photophysical properties of GDCS, temperature-dependent steady-state and time-resolved PL measurements have been comprehensively carried out. Uniaxially aligned and highly fluorescent LC and crystalline microwires of GDCS are fabricated by using the micromolding in capillaries (MIMIC) method. Significantly enhanced electrical conductivity (0.8 × 10⁻⁵ S•cm⁻¹/3.9 × 10⁻⁵ S•cm⁻¹) of the aligned LC/crystal microwires were obtained over that of multi-domain LC sample, because of the almost perfect shear alignment of the LC material achieved in the MIMIC mold.

Hexakis(pentafluorophenyl)-substituted meso–meso-linked Zn^II–diporphyrin (9), which was prepared by the acid-catalyzed cross-condensation of 1,1,2,2-tetrapyrroethane (5) with dipyrromethane dicarbinol (6), was converted into meso–meso,β-β,β-β triply linked Zn^II–diporphyrin 3 by oxidation with 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyanobenzoquinone (DDQ) and Sc(OTf)₃. Beside the red-shifted absorption spectrum and split first oxidation potential that are common to the triply-linked Zn^II–diporphyrins, diporphyrin 3 exhibited considerably improved chemical stability owing to a lowered HOMO and good solubility in common organic solvents. The two-photon absorption (TPA) cross-section and S₁-state lifetime of compound 3 were 1700 GM and 3.3 ps, respectively.

A two-electron oxidation of the Cu^II (9) and Zn^II (12) complexes of tetraphenyltetrabenzoporphyrin (TPTBP) results in the formation of stable antiaromatic [(TPTBP)Cu^II(H₂O)]²⁺⋅2 [SbF₆]⁻ (10) and [(TPTBP)Zn^II(H₂O)₂]²⁺⋅2 [SbF₆]⁻ (13) with 16π electrons on the inner ligand perimeter. X-ray structures of the parent TPTBP complexes, the dications, and singly oxidized species [(TPTBP)Cu^II]^⋅+[SbF₆]⁻ (11) reveal that the use of TPTBP rather than a porphyrin ligand reduces the degree of nonplanarity in the 16π-electron species relative to the parent 18π complex. Significant high-field shifts of the ¹H NMR signals of the outer ring protons and large positive values in calculations of nucleus-independent chemical shifts on the central cavity of the porphyrin ring provide unambiguous evidence for the antiaromatic character of the 16π Zn^II species. A combination of magnetic circular dichroism spectroscopic studies and TD-DFT calculations on both the Zn^II and Cu^II species demonstrates that the main electronic bands of the dicationic species can be readily assigned by using Michl’s 4N perimeter model. Femtosecond transient absorption studies clearly demonstrated that the number of π electrons on the inner ligand perimeter and the configuration of the central metal ion play a critical role in the excited-state relaxation dynamics. Redox potentials for conversion between the 16π, 17π, and 18π systems were measured by cyclic voltammetry in dichloromethane and benzonitrile, and UV/Vis spectra of each oxidation/reduction product were monitored by thin-layer spectroelectrochemistry.

The synthesis, characterization, photophysical properties, and theoretical analysis of a series of tetraaza porphyrin analogues (HPn: n=1–4) containing a dipyrrin subunit and an embedded 1,10-phenanthroline subunit are described. The meso-phenyl-substituted derivative (HP1) interacts with a Mg²⁺ salt (e.g., MgCl₂, MgBr₂, MgI₂, Mg(ClO₄)₂, and Mg(OAc)₂) in MeCN solution, thereby giving rise to a cation-dependent red-shift in both the absorbance- and emission maxima. In this system, as well as in the other HPn porphyrin analogues used in this study, the four nitrogen atoms of the ligand interact with the bound magnesium cation to form Mg²⁺–dipyrrin–phenanthroline complexes of the general structure MgXPn (X=counteranion). Both single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of the corresponding zinc-chloride derivative (ZnClP1) and fluorescence spectroscopy of the Mg-adducts that are formed from various metal salts provide support for the conclusion that, in complexes such as MgClP1, a distorted square-pyramidal geometry persists about the metal cation wherein a chloride anion acts as an axial counteranion. Several analogues (HPn) that contain electron-donating and/or electron-withdrawing dipyrrin moieties were prepared in an effort to understand the structure–property relationships and the photophysical attributes of these Mg–dipyrrin complexes. Analysis of various MgXPn (X=anion) systems revealed significant substitution effects on their chemical, electrochemical, and photophysical properties, as well as on the Mg²⁺-cation affinities. The fluorescence properties of MgClPn reflected the effect of donor-excited photoinduced electron transfer (d-PET) processes from the dipyrrin subunit (as a donor site) to the 1,10-phenanthroline acceptor subunit. The proposed d-PET process was analyzed by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy and by femtosecond transient absorption (TA) spectroscopy, as well as by theoretical DFT calculations. Taken together, these studies provide support for the suggestion that a radical species is produced as the result of an intramolecular charge-transfer process, following photoexcitation. These photophysical effects, combined with a mixed dipyrrin–phenanthroline structure that is capable of effective Mg²⁺-cation complexation, lead us to suggest that porphyrin-inspired systems, such as HPn, have a role to play as magnesium-cation sensors.

meso-Hexakis(pentafluorophenyl)-substituted neutral hexaphyrin with a 26π-electronic circuit can be regarded as a real homolog of porphyrin with an 18π-electronic circuit with respect to a quite flat molecular structure and strong aromaticity. We have investigated additional aromaticity enhancement of meso-hexakis(pentafluorophenyl)[26]hexaphyrin(1.1.1.1.1.1) by deprotonation of the inner NH groups in the macrocyclic molecular cavity to try to induce further structural planarization. Deprotonated mono- and dianions of [26]hexaphyrin display sharp B-like bands, remarkably strong fluorescence, and long-lived singlet and triplet excited-states, which indicate enhanced aromaticity. Structural, spectroscopic, and computational studies have revealed that deprotonation induces structural deformations, which lead to a change in the main conjugated π-electronic circuit and cause enhanced aromaticity.

In this study, we have investigated the relationship between aromaticity and photophysical properties of trifluoromethyl-substituted [18]/[20]π porphycenes by using theoretical calculations and various spectroscopic methodologies. Interestingly, we have found that the HOMO–LUMO gap of [20]π porphycene is larger than that of [18]π porphycene, which is in a sharp contrast with those of typical [4n]/[4n+2]π porphyrinoids. Based on our observations, we demonstrate that the origin of this contrasting feature of [20]π porphycene arises from the uniquely large energy splitting between LUMO and LUMO+1 of [18]π porphycene compared with other aromatic [4n+2]π porphyrinoids with nearly degenerate LUMO/LUMO+1. Consequently, we can propose that the energy difference between LUMO and LUMO+1 levels of aromatic [4n+2]π porphyrinoids is an important factor in determining the electronic nature of their corresponding antiaromatic [4n]π porphyrinoids. Moreover, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to illustrate the photophysical properties of porphycenes with [4n]π electronic circuits.

Single-molecule photophysical properties of two families of linear porphyrin arrays have been investigated by single-molecule fluorescence detection techniques. Butadiyne-linked arrays (Z_NB) with extensive π-conjugation perform as photostable one-quantum systems. This demonstration has been suggested by the long-lasting initial emissive state and subsequent discrete one-step photobleaching in the fluorescence intensity trajectories (FITs). As in the behavior of a one-quantum system, Z_NB shows anti-bunching data in the coincidence measurements. On the other hand, in directly-linked arrays (Z_N) with strong dipole coupling, each porphyrin moiety keeps individual character in photobleaching dynamics. The stepwise photobleachings in the FITs account for this explanation. Most of the FITs of Z_N do not carry momentary cessation of fluorescence emission, which has been explained by the strongly bound electron-hole pair of Frenkel exciton that suppresses charge transfer between the molecule and surrounding polymers. These results give insight into the influences of interchromophorinc interactions between porphyrin moieties in the multiporphyrin arrays on their fluorescence dynamics at the single-molecule level.

Hybrid porphyrin tapes 3 and 4, consisting of a mixture of 3,5-di-tert-butylphenyl-substituted donor-type Zn^II–porphyrins and pentafluorophenyl-substituted acceptor-type Zn^II–porphyrins, were prepared by a synthetic route involving cross-condensation reaction of a Ni^II–porphyrinyldipyrromethane and pentafluorophenyldipyrromethane with pentafluorobenzaldehyde followed by appropriate demetalation, remetalation, and oxidative ring-closure reaction. The Ni^II-substituted porphyrin tapes 5 (Ni-Zn-Ni) and 6 (Ni-H₂-Ni) were also prepared through similar routes. The hybrid porphyrin tapes 3 and 4 are more soluble and more stable than normal porphyrin tapes 1 and 2 consisting of only donor-type Zn^II–porphyrins. The solid-state and crystal packing structures of 3, 4, and 5 were elucidated by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Singly meso–meso-linked hybrid porphyrin arrays 12 and 14 exhibit redox potentials that roughly correspond to each constituent porphyrin segments, while the redox potentials of the hybrid porphyrin tapes 3 and 4 are positively shifted as a whole. The two-photon absorption (TPA) values of 1–6 were measured by using a wavelength-scanning open aperture Z-scan method and found to be 1900, 21 000, 2200, 27 000, 24 000, and 26 000 GM, respectively. These results illustrate an important effect of elongation of π-electron conjugation for the enhancement of TPA values. The hybrid porphyrin tapes show slightly larger TPA values than the parent ones.

We have investigated conformational switching dynamics of meso-heptakis(pentafluorophenyl) [32]heptaphyrin(1.1.1.1.1.1.1) in various solvents using steady-state, time-resolved, and temperature-dependent spectroscopy. Absorption and fluorescence spectra of [32]heptaphyrin are quite sensitive to solvent environments. In nonpolar toluene, the antiaromatic figure-of-eight conformation is dominant, as seen in the X-ray crystallography, based on broad and weak absorption bands without any fluorescence and moderate paratropic ring current. On the other hand, a well-resolved sharp absorption spectrum, strong fluorescence, and diatropic ring current in the ¹H NMR spectrum in slightly polar THF indicate that most of [32]heptaphyrin molecules take significantly distorted Möbius conformation with aromatic character. By using transient absorption (TA) spectroscopy, the lowest singlet excited-state lifetimes have been revealed to decay biexponentially with the time constants of 5 and 65 ps for figure-of-eight and Möbius conformations, respectively. Based on these results along with vertical excitation energy calculations, we are able to assign two conformers as Hückel antiaromatic and Möbius aromatic species, respectively; it shoulf be noted that the aromaticity/antiaromaticity does not change with temperature variation. Interestingly, in moderately polar solvent, ethyl ether, we find out that these two conformational isomers coexist with a dynamic equilibrium, as revealed by excitation-wavelength-dependent TA, temperature-dependent absorption and ¹H NMR spectra. Through our findings, we have demonstrated that the conformational switching dynamics between Hückel antiaromatic and Möbius aromatic conformers in [32]heptaphyrin(1.1.1.1.1.1.1) are strongly affected by solvent medium as well as temperature.

meso-Triazolyl-appended Zn^II–porphyrins were readily prepared by Cu^I-catalyzed 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of benzyl azide to meso-ethynylated Zn^II–porphyrin (click chemistry). In noncoordinating CHCl₃ solvent, spontaneous assembly occurred to form tetrameric array (3)₂ from meso–meso-linked diporphyrins 3, and dodecameric porphyrin squares (4)₄ and (5)₄ from the L-shaped meso–meso-linked triporphyrins 4 and 5. The structures of these assemblies were examined by ¹H NMR spectra, absorption spectra, and their gel permeation chromatography (GPC) retention time. Furthermore, the structures of the dodecameric porphyrin squares (4)₄ and (5)₄ were probed by small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS/WAXS) measurements in solution using a synchrotron source. Excitation-energy migration processes in these assemblies were also investigated in detail by using both steady-state and time-resolved spectroscopic methods, which revealed efficient excited-energy transfer (EET) between the meso–meso-linked Zn^II–porphyrin units that occurred with time constants of 1.5 ps⁻¹ for (3)₂ and 8.8 ps⁻¹ for (5)₄.

Tetrameric porphyrin formation of 2-hydroxymethylpyrrole fused with porphyrins through a bicyclo[2.2.2]octadiene unit gave bicyclo[2.2.2]octadiene-fused porphyrin pentamers. Thermal conversion of the pentamers gave fully π-conjugated cruciform porphyrin pentamers fused with benzene units in quantitative yields. UV/Vis spectra of fully π-conjugated porphyrin pentamers showed one very strong Q absorption and were quite different from those of usual porphyrins. From TD-DFT calculations, the HOMO level is 0.49 eV higher than the HOMO−1 level. The LUMO and LUMO+1 levels are very close and are lower by more than 0.27 eV than those of other unoccupied MOs. The strong Q absorption was interpreted as two mutually orthogonal single-electron transitions (683 nm: 86 %, HOMOLUMO; 680 nm: 86 %, HOMOLUMO+1). The two-photon absorption (TPA) cross section value (σ⁽²⁾) of the benzene-fused porphyrin pentamer was estimated to be 3900 GM at 1500 nm, which is strongly correlated with a cruciform molecular structure with multidirectional π-conjugation pathways.

Donor–acceptor systems based on subporphyrins with nitro and amino substituents at meta and para positions of the meso-phenyl groups were synthesized and their photophysical properties have been systematically investigated. These molecules show two types of charge-transfer interactions, that is, from center to periphery and periphery to center depending on the peripheral substitution, in which the subporphyrin moiety plays a dual role as both donor and acceptor. Based on the solvent-polarity-dependent photophysical properties, we have shown that the fluorescence emission of para isomers originates from the solvatochromic, dipolar, symmetry-broken, and relaxed excited states, whereas the non-solvatochromic fluorescence of meta isomers is of the octupolar type with false symmetry breaking. The restricted meso-(4-aminophenyl) rotation at low temperature prevents the intramolecular charge-transfer (ICT)-forming process. The two-photon absorption (TPA) cross-section values were determined by photoexcitation at 800 nm in nonpolar toluene and polar acetonitrile solvents to see the effect of ICT on the TPA processes. The large enhancement in the TPA cross-section value of approximately 3200 GM (1 GM=10⁻⁵⁰ cm⁴ s photon⁻¹) with donor–acceptor substitution has been attributed to the octupolar effect and ICT interactions. A correlation was found between the electron-donating/-withdrawing abilities of the peripheral groups and the TPA cross-section values, that is, p-aminophenyl>m-aminophenyl>nitrophenyl. The increased stability of octupolar ICT interactions in highly polar solvents enhances the TPA cross-section value by a factor of approximately 2 and 4, respectively, for p-amino- and m-nitrophenyl-substituted subporphyrins. On the other hand, the stabilization of the symmetry-broken, dipolar ICT state gives rise to a negligible impact on the TPA processes.

Two-photon absorption (TPA) properties of a laterally nonsymmetric aza cryptand with attached side arms have been investigated. This series of Schiff base derivatives supports the mechanistic approach for enhancing the TPA process, which is usually dictated by molecular geometry, π-bridging, delocalization length, and corresponding charge-transfer possibilities. The results described here suggest that on increasing the branching units, the TPA cross-section, σ⁽²⁾, can be tuned to a larger value. The TPA activity is “switched on” when a metal atom enters the cavity and serves as a conduit of electronic delocalization. The σ⁽²⁾ value increases as the donor strength increases. The maximum value is obtained on moving from the single-branched system to the nearly threefold symmetry. This serves as a useful synthetic strategy for designing novel octupolar molecules with high σ⁽²⁾ values. Theoretical calculations at the B3LYP functional with the 6–31G* basis set under DFT formalism provide supporting evidence that the communication between the side arms through the metal d orbital and more ordered geometry of chromophores leads to a smaller HOMO–LUMO gap, which has a great influence upon the electronic properties of the molecules.

We report the synthesis and characterization of L- and T-shaped porphyrin tapes as extensible structural motifs of two-dimensionally extended porphyrin tapes. The two-photon absorption (TPA) cross-section values (σ⁽²⁾) for L- and T-shaped porphyrin tapes as well as those for linear trimeric and tetrameric porphyrin tapes were measured by an open-aperture Z-scan method at 2300 nm, a wavelength at which the one-photon absorption contribution is either zero or almost negligible. Under these conditions, the σ⁽²⁾ values for the linear porphyrin tape trimer and tetramer were determined to be 18 500 and 41 200 GM, respectively. The σ⁽²⁾ value for the L-shaped trimer was determined to be 8700 GM, which is only half that of the linear trimer, whereas the σ⁽²⁾ value for the T-shaped tetramer was measured to be 35 700 GM. These results clearly indicate the dependence of the TPA cross-section on the molecular shape, which underscores the importance of directionality in the π-conjugation pathway for the enhancement of TPA cross- section.

Effective peripheral fabrication methods of meso-aryl-substituted subporphyrins were explored for the first time. Hexabrominated subporphyrins 2 were prepared quantitatively from the bromination of subporphyrins 1 with bromine. Hexaphenylated subporphyrins 3 and hexaethynylated subporphyrins 4 and 5 were synthesized by Suzuki–Miyaura coupling and Stille coupling, respectively, in good yields. X-ray crystal structures of 2 b, 3 b, 4 b, and 5 a revealed preservation of the bowl-shaped bent structures with bowl depths similar to that of 1. Hexaethynylated subporphyrins exhibit large two-photon-absorption cross-sections due to effective delocalization of the conjugated network to the ethynyl substituents.