B←N Coordination: From Chemistry to Organic Photovoltaic Materials

Coordination between boron Lewis acid and nitrogen Lewis base (B <- N) is a classically chemical issue that has been known for several decades. Recently, this B <- N chemistry developed into a new stage toward electronic materials, e.g., adjusting optoelectronic properties of N-based conjugated molecules via adding B Lewis acids, synthesizing B <- N-bridged conjugated units, and further constructing B <- N-embedded organic photovoltaic (OPV) materials. Herein, these progresses are systematically summarized starting from certain chemical issues concerning B <- N coordination, e.g., Lewis acidity of typical B Lewis acids and their interactions with N-contained conjugated molecules. Then, some fused and ladder-type B <- N-bridged units are reviewed in terms of the relationship between molecular structures and optoelectronic properties. Finally, the recently flourished B <- N-embedded OPV materials are summarized. The prospect of OPV materials concerning B <- N coordination is also proposed, hoping to attract more attention to this filed and motivate its rolling rapidly.

Automated summary

The coordination between boron Lewis acid and nitrogen Lewis base has evolved from a classical chemical issue to a new stage in electronic materials, involving adjusting optoelectronic properties of N-based conjugated molecules, synthesizing B <- N-bridged conjugated units, and constructing B <- N-embedded organic photovoltaic (OPV) materials. The progress in B <- N coordination chemistry, molecular structures, and optoelectronic properties has been systematically summarized, with a focus on attracting attention and rapidly advancing this field.