π-Extended dibenzo[g,p]chrysenes

Here, we report two series (denoted as meta and para) of pi-extended dibenzo[g,p]chrysenes (DBCs) with different substituents (H, Me and OMe). These six novel compounds benefit from the presence of eight methyl groups on the sp(3) bridges which improve the solubility and rigidify the extended phenylenes. Their optoelectronic properties were determined using electrochemistry and spectroscopic (UV-vis and emission) techniques and further confirmed by DFT calculations. The results showed that both the position and nature of substituents on the pi-extended moieties exert significant effects on the optoelectronic properties and the charge delocalization mechanism. In addition, isomerism (meta and para) leads to different packings in the solid state structure; interestingly, the crystal structure of the hydrogen substituted para molecule showed a permanent three-dimensional porous structure.