Nanosized gradient π-conjugated thienylethynylene dendrimers for light harvesting: Synthesis and properties

A family of π-conjugated dendrimers based on truxene and thienylethynylene units are synthesized via a mixed divergent/convergent growth approach. These dendrimers possess an intrinsic energy gradient from the periphery to the core through branches and thus show a broad absorption in the UV-vis range and an efficient energy transfer to the lower-energy center. The molecules hence have the potential to be used as light harvesting materials.