Design, synthesis and study of polycyclic aromatic compounds

[n]Helicenes and [n]phenacenes, polycyclic aromatic compounds which are derived from the structure of 2D graphene, have semiconductive characteristics. Both types of molecules are comprised of ortho-condensed benzene rings; while [n]helicenes form a screw-shaped non-planar helix, aromatic rings of [n]phenacenes have a “zig-zag” topology, and the resulting structures are linear. Our group is interested in the design, synthesis, and study of the application potential in optoelectronics and sensing.