Lords of the molecular Rings: An Innovative Shortcut to High-Performance Organic Materials
en-GBde-DEes-ESfr-FR

Lords of the molecular Rings: An Innovative Shortcut to High-Performance Organic Materials


Scientists at the Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Vienna, have unveiled an innovative approach for synthesizing azaparacyclophanes (APCs), a class of highly advanced ring-shaped molecular structures with immense potential in material science. Their innovative Catalyst-Transfer Macrocyclization (CTM) method, currently published in JACS Au, streamlines the production of these complex macrocycles, paving the way for more efficient and scalable applications in organic electronics, optoelectronics, and supramolecular chemistry – such as displays, flexible solar cells and transistors.

APCs are small, perfectly shaped molecular rings made up of repeating units linked in an endless loop. These macrocyclic organic compounds have a unique structure that makes them valuable basic building blocks for innovative technologies such as optoelectronic applications, which include displays for example. For years, the synthesis of APCs has been a tedious process requiring several steps under difficult conditions. A team of researchers at the Institute of Organic Chemistry at the University of Vienna has taken on the challenge to simplify it – with remarkable success.

A Shortcut to Complex Molecular Rings

The newly developed CTM method uses the "Pd-catalysed Buchwald-Hartwig cross-coupling reaction", which helps to form carbon-nitrogen bonds to create π-conjugated cyclic structures. "π-conjugated" refers to a system of alternating single and double bonds that allows the free movement of electrons, enhancing the electronic properties of the material. The CTM method provides a direct and efficient route, making the production of APCs much easier. "With this approach, we can create structurally precise APCs in a short time, under mild conditions and with high yields, making them much more accessible for both research and industrial applications," says first author Josue Ayuso-Carrillo from the University of Vienna. The method is flexible, allowing the preparation of APCs with different ring sizes (typically 4-9 members) and functional groups. It can also be carried out under typical concentration conditions (35-350 mM), making it scalable and reproducible, unlike established macrocyclization protocols requiring a highly diluted medium.

A Game Changer for Advanced Technologies

APCs produced by this method have great potential in materials such as organic semiconductors and solar technology. Thanks to their π-conjugated structures, which allow efficient electron movement, APCs can be used in various fields. In organic electronics, they can improve the efficiency and flexibility of displays, solar cells and transistors. Organic electronics contain – as the name suggests – organic material, this goes for flexible solar cells for example. Compared to typical flat panels of solar cells made of energy-intensive processed silicon, organic solar cells are lightweight, and hence can be used off-grid in unconventional surfaces. APCs‘ properties also improve light-harvesting systems, leading to better solutions for solar energy conversion and storage. In supramolecular chemistry, APCs can also be used to create advanced molecular recognition systems, sensors and catalysts. "The CTM method is not only a breakthrough in synthesis, but also a stepping stone towards the large-scale production of tailor-made materials," explains Davide Bonifazi from the University of Vienna, senior author of the study. "By eliminating unnecessary complexity, we open the door to new functional applications that were previously out of reach. And, importantly, we demonstrate the reproducibility of our method by providing a step-by-step guide for researchers in related fields."

From the Lab to Industry

The CTM method simplifies the synthesis of high-performance organic components, making them more practical for industrial use. Its scalability ensures that the transition from laboratory discovery to real-world application is smoother than ever before. The study marks a crucial step in the integration of advanced chemical synthesis into everyday technology. As industry pushes for sustainable, high-performance materials, innovations like this will help shape the future of materials science.
Josue Ayuso-Carrillo, Davide Bonifazi. Catalyst-Transfer Macrocyclization Protocol: Synthesis of π-conjugated Azaparacyclophanes Made Easy. In JACS Au.
DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.5c00109
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/jacsau.5c00109
Regions: Europe, Austria
Keywords: Applied science, Technology, Science, Chemistry, Energy

Disclaimer: AlphaGalileo is not responsible for the accuracy of content posted to AlphaGalileo by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the AlphaGalileo system.

Témoignages

We have used AlphaGalileo since its foundation but frankly we need it more than ever now to ensure our research news is heard across Europe, Asia and North America. As one of the UK’s leading research universities we want to continue to work with other outstanding researchers in Europe. AlphaGalileo helps us to continue to bring our research story to them and the rest of the world.
Peter Dunn, Director of Press and Media Relations at the University of Warwick
AlphaGalileo has helped us more than double our reach at SciDev.Net. The service has enabled our journalists around the world to reach the mainstream media with articles about the impact of science on people in low- and middle-income countries, leading to big increases in the number of SciDev.Net articles that have been republished.
Ben Deighton, SciDevNet
AlphaGalileo is a great source of global research news. I use it regularly.
Robert Lee Hotz, LA Times

Nous travaillons en étroite collaboration avec...


  • BBC
  • The Times
  • National Geographic
  • The University of Edinburgh
  • University of Cambridge
  • iesResearch
Copyright 2025 by DNN Corp Terms Of Use Privacy Statement