Extending the Conjugation of Boron Difluoride Formazanate Dyes Using Alkyne Linkages
Abstract
This thesis describes the synthesis and characterization of alkyne-linked BF2 formazanate dyes and the effects of extending π-conjugation through alkyne linkages. Chapter 2 examines the design of platinum-centered oligoynes capped by BF2 formazanates. These compounds exhibit high stability and solubility, panchromatic absorption, and redox activity. Thin-film studies demonstrate that incorporating a [Pt(PBu3)2]2+ unit into the oligoyne backbone influences conductivity on the microscale and nanoscale when compared to metal-free oligoynes. Chapter 3 explores the random copolymerization of BF2 formazanate dyes with fluorene or bis(alkoxy)benzene units through Glaser-Hay coupling. The copolymers exhibit redox activity and broad absorption of UV-visible light. The alkyne linkages of the copolymers are reacted with dicobaltoctacarbonyl, demonstrating the ability to tune optical properties through structural variation. Together, this work demonstrates the ability to tune the properties of BF2 formazanates by extending π-conjugation through alkyne linkages, leading to potential applications in the field of organic electronics.