The impact of systematic structural variation on the energetics of π-π stacking interactions and associated computed charge transfer integrals of crystalline diketopyrrolopyrroles

Sensitive optical detection of nitroaromatic vapours with diketopyrrolopyrrole thin films is reported for the first time and the impact of thin film crystal structure and morphology on fluorescence quenching behaviour demonstrated.

Intermolecular interactions and energetics in the crystalline π-π stacks and associated model dimer systems of asymmetric halogenated diketopyrrolopyrroles

Four novel systematically fluorinated DPPs and their single crystal structures are reported.Structures involving direct fluorination of the DPP core phenyl rings and N-benzyl groups, display 1-dimentional π-π stacking motifs; a characteristic of N-benzyl substitution, where long and short molecular axis displacement is induced by isosteric substitution of phenylic hydrogen atoms for fluorine atoms. This characteristic stacking behaviour is destroyed upon trifluoromethyl substitution at the para position of the core phenyl rings, in one case affording a novel molecular conformation and π-π dimer pair exhibiting a higher intermolecular interaction energy than any other structurally analogous DPP based system reported previously. This crystal structure also exhibits a unique orthogonal association of the π-π dimer pairs along the crystallographic a and b axes, resulting in the formation of a framework that is characterised by well-defined channels perpetuating along the length of the crystallographic c axis. The role of fluorine induced stabilisation and its impact on optoelectronic properties in these systems is identified via analysis of computed intermolecular interactions for all the crystal extracted nearest neighbour dimer pairs and their associated cropped equivalents. Our results clearly reinforce the positive role of benzyl substitution in DPP crystal structures to enhance optoelectronic behaviour. More importantly they demonstrate the significant impact small changes in molecular structure can have on the solid state properties of this molecular motif, particularly when fluorination is involved.ABSTRACT: Rationalising the effects of molecular substitution in π-conjugated organic materials arising from well-defined intermolecular interactions, which can influence the formation of predefined packing motifs and control the emergence of π-π stacking represents a current challenge in supramolecular design. Significant effort is potentially required to manage the impact on solid state packing behaviour in materials that have been molecularly tuned to carry out specific photophysical and electrochemical functions. In this regard, fluorine substitution in π-conjugated systems has seen a recent surge of interest, primarily aimed towards 3 the development of materials with enhanced optical and optoelectronic behaviour. In light of this interest, in the following study, we report the synthesis and single crystal structures from a series of four novel and structurally related, symmetric, fluorinated N-benzyl substituted diketopyrrolopyrroles (DPPs). Two of the investigated series exhibit slipped cofacial π-π dimer pairs, which are consistent with those reported by us previously in halogenated DPPs.Significantly, this characteristic stacking motif of N-benzyl substituted DPPs can be carefully modified via the replacement of hydrogen atoms with trifluoromethyl and isosteric fluorinehydrogen substituents. In the case of trifluoromethyl substitution, we identify a previously unobserved packing motif exhibiting a framework...

Thermoresponsive polymers that undergo sol–gel transition in a physiological temperature range have applications in biomedical science. Poloxamer 407 (P407) is commonly used as thermogelling material and has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in licenced medicines. However, it has significant drawbacks which limit its performance, particularly in drug delivery systems. In order to improve these properties, the chemical structure of P407 has been modified to produce stronger gels by either conjugating P407 with other polymers or introducing inter‐micelle linkers to the terminal hydroxyl groups of P407. However, chemical modifications have several undesirable side‐effects. The change in the chemical structure makes the polymer a novel excipient, and additional safety risks are possible, requiring expensive and time‐consuming toxicity testing prior to regulatory approval. An alternative approach to covalent modification is modifying the P407 formulations with additives including hydrophilic polymers and nanoparticles, in an attempt to improve the properties of these materials. This review investigates the approaches used to modify the properties of P407 thermogelling materials, including the use of polymer additives and covalent modification. Several recommendations are made, based on efficacy and consideration of regulatory risk to guide the development of these materials toward use in real clinical applications.