Thiophene-based, radial π-conjugation: synthesis, structure, and photophysical properties of cyclo-1,4-phenylene-2',5'-thienylenes.

The synthesis of cyclo-1,4-phenylene-2',5'-thienylenes (CPTs) as the first example of a thiophene-based, radially π-conjugated system is described. X-ray crystal structures, UV-vis absorption and emission spectra, and theoretical studies revealed the unique structural and photophysical properties of CPTs. With all of these unique structural and photophysical properties, the radially π-conjugated CPTs are expected to open a door for the discovery and development of new functional organic materials.