Synthesis of new light-emitters via zirconium-mediated coupling

Abstract

The work described within this thesis details explorations into the area of molecular luminogens, in particular using zirconium-mediated coupling to access novel classes of color tunable emitters based on germanium, tellurium, and butadienes. Chapter 2 features new class of air-stable phosphors termed as spirocyclic germafluorene-germoles. This new library of color tunable luminogens was prepared using Suzuki-Miyaura, Stille, and zirconocene-mediated couplings. In addition, the synthesis and properties of homo- and co-polymers based on spirocyclic germafluorene-germole unit were explored and challenges associated with these materials are discussed herein. Chapter 3 describes a new general Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling protocol for the synthesis of symmetrical diarylalkynes. They were further transformed into new tetraarylbutadienes, and their fluorescent properties and photo- and thermal stability were investigated. Attempts to prepare potentially blue luminescent tin-capped building block based on a cumyl-substituted tetraarylbutadiene for further Stille polymerization protocols is reported. In Chapter 4 the synthesis and characterization of new symmetric tellurium heterocycles for both hole-transport and light-emitting applications is presented. This work builds upon the general alkyne synthesis route introduced in Chapter 3.