Publication Date
2014
School
School of Health Sciences
Major
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Keywords
Organic, Chemistry, Semiconductor, Bisbenzothiophene
Disciplines
Biological and Chemical Physics | Organic Chemistry
Recommended Citation
England, Mary, "The Synthesis of a Bisbenzothiophene (BBT) Based Organic Semiconductor with Increased Function and Increased Solubility" (2014). Senior Honors Theses. 448.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/honors/448
Abstract
Organic semiconductors are growing in applications for use in modern technology.1 The main interest in these molecules can be attributed to their low cost (compared to silicon) and their ability to be used on flexible substrates. There are four features that make a good organic semiconductor. First, the molecule should be conjugated, having alternating single and double bonds (lone electron pairs act similarly to double bonds). Secondly, the molecule should be planar, or flat, in shape. Thirdly, the molecule should have a narrow band gap to increase the overall conductivity. Lastly, the molecule should be soluble to ease application. 3,4:3’,4’-Bisbenzothiophene (BBT) 1 is a fairly unexplored molecule that is known to have semiconducting applications. BBT is conjugated and planar, but its band gap is large and it is highly insoluble. The aim of this research was to synthesize a malononitrile substituted BBT molecule in order to increase solubility and decrease the band gap. Theoretical modeling supports that this molecule will be highly conjugated, will be mostly planar, will have a narrow band gap, and will have increased solubility as a result of a high dipole moment.
