Synthesis and Photophysical Properties of Heavier Pnictogen Complexes

Abstract

Recent success in the synthesis of π-conjugated heavier pnictogen (As, Sb, and Bi) compounds and their transition metal complexes has led to the current surge in interest that led to significant development in the field of photophysical and optoelectronic properties of heavier pnictogens and their transition metal complexes. The presence of heavier pnictogens (As, Sb and Bi) in the molecular skeleton promotes inter-system crossing (ISC) and reverse inter-system crossing (RISC), because of the heavy atom effect, via altering the intermolecular interactions and orbital energy levels. As a result, π-conjugated heavier pnictogen compounds such as arsines, dibenzoarsepins, arsinoquinoline, heterofluorene, benzo[b]heterole (heterole=arsole, bismole, and stibole) show unique optoelectronic properties such as narrow bandgap, low-energy absorption, and long-wavelength emission than lighter pnictogen-based compounds. This review focuses on recent advances in the synthesis and photophysical properties of heavier pnictogen compounds. The synthesis and photophysical properties of heavier pnictogens are discussed and elaborated.

Keywords: main-group chemistry; optoelectronics; photophysics; pnictogens; π-conjugation.