Vinylene-Linked 2D Conjugated Covalent Organic Frameworks by Wittig Reactions

Vinylene-linked two-dimensional covalent organic frameworks (V-2D-COFs) have shown great promise in electronics and optoelectronics. However, only a few reactions for V-2D-COFs have been developed hitherto. Besides the kinetically low reversibility of C=C bond formation, another underlying issue facing the synthesis of V-2D-COFs is the attainment of high (E)-alkene selectivity to ensure the appropriate symmetry of 2D frameworks. Here, we tailor the E/Z selectivity of the Wittig reaction by employing a proper catalyst (i.e., Cs2CO3) to obtain more stable intermediates and elevating the temperature across the reaction barrier. Subsequently, the Wittig reaction is innovatively utilized for the synthesis of four crystalline V-2D-COFs by combining aldehydes and ylides. Importantly, the efficient conjugation and decent crystallinity of the resultant V-2D-COFs are demonstrated by their high charge carrier mobilities over 10 cm(2) V-1 s(-1), as revealed by non-contact terahertz (THz) spectroscopy.

Automated summary

The ability to efficiently synthesize vinylene-linked two-dimensional covalent organic frameworks (V-2D-COFs) is crucial for their potential applications in electronics and optoelectronics. In this study, the E/Z selectivity of the Wittig reaction was tailored by using a suitable catalyst and increasing the reaction temperature, resulting in the successful synthesis of four crystalline V-2D-COFs. The high charge carrier mobilities and good crystallinity of these V-2D-COFs were demonstrated through non-contact terahertz spectroscopy analysis.