Electron-poor arylenediimides

Arylenediimides are inherently electron deficient and provide enormous opportunities to conjugate electron withdrawing substituents in different regions of the -scaffold. This review article highlights the gradual emergence of diverse molecular design principles to realize exceptionally electron deficient arylenediimide molecules. Interestingly, non-conventional electron withdrawing substituents allow the realization of some of the strongest electron acceptors known from this class of molecules. Thus, an enthralling and exceptionally close race to garner the top position within the electron deficient molecules unfolds, which has immense implications with regard to stability and potential applications.