pi-Expanded Cyanocarbons: A New Class of Versatile Electron Acceptors

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Milan Kivala
• Subject Area: Organic Molecular Chemistry - Synthesis and Characterisation
• Term: from 2018 to 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 401247651

The project aims at the synthesis and study of novel cyano-rich organic compounds acting as extraordinary strong electron acceptors. The presence of multiple strongly electron-withdrawing cyano functionalities will result in fundamentally altered chemical and physical properties of these compounds when compared to the parent hydrocarbons. The project explores the limits of synthetic accessibility, stability, and new modes of reactivity expected for these compounds. In the same time, the research will provide a new class of molecules with promising materials properties interesting for potential application in organic electronics. The resulting acceptors will be investigated, supported by computational studies, in interdisciplinary collaborations to advance fundamental knowledge of pi-electron delocalization and charge transport phenomena allowing for effective design and tuning of organic functional materials.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants