Title:

Synthesis of Highly Conjugated Molecules for use as Organic Semiconductors

Semiconductors have properties between conductors and insulators and are used for components like diodes, transistors, and photovoltaics. Usually made from silicon, two distinct kinds can be made: P-Types and N-Types. Due to Carbon’s conductivity and ability to form Pi Bonds, Organic materials can be used for both kinds of semiconductors. The interest in doing this lies in Organic semiconductors being easier to make, cheaper to produce and better for the environment. By focusing on the conjugation and aromaticity of an organic molecule, electron “holes” can be put into the material. This results in a comparable gap between the Highest Occupied Molecular Orbital (HOMO) and Lowest Unoccupied Molecular orbital (LUMO) when compared to a traditional Silicon semiconductor. Four target compounds were identified for their conjugation and aromaticity, with two of them being precursors to the next two. To confirm that they were worth pursuing, Spartan 6-31G* Density Function Theory was used to identify the gap between the HOMO and the LUMO. After these were confirmed to have a desirable band gap, synthesis began. Two of them, #1 and #3, were synthesized while #2 and #4 were not. This failure is attributed to them being oxidized when exposed to light and air, meaning further synthesis should be done in an inert atmosphere in the dark.

Name

Comment*

Comments are viewable only by submitter

Captcha*