ABSTRACT 8Circulenes, a class of intriguing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, have garnered considerable attention due to their aesthetically pleasing structures. Despite their unique structural features, the applications of these rigid π‐conjugated systems remain far from fully explored due to the inherent challenges in functionalizing them. In this study, we report the synthesis of a water‐soluble tetrabenzotetraaza8circulene derivative ( 3 ) through the introduction of four 2,5,8,11‐tetraoxatridecane substituents. The optical properties of 3 were systematically studied in THF/water mixtures, revealing its water‐fraction‐dependent fluorescence. At 77 K, compound 3 exhibits distinctive phosphorescence with an exceptionally long lifetime of 2.08 s and a phosphorescence quantum yield of 12.3%, both among the highest values of reported hetero8circulenes. Additionally, 3 displays a pronounced yellow‐green afterglow luminescence that persists for 7.6 s, underscoring its potential for persistent emission applications. This study presents an effective method to modulate the optoelectronic properties of hetero8circulene derivatives, offering new opportunities for hetero8circulenes as promising functional materials.
Jiang et al. (Sun,) studied this question.