Pi-extended diindole-fused azapentacenone: Synthesis, characterization, and photophysical and lithium-storage properties

Pi-extended polyaromatics tend to exhibit improved electronic properties with respect to the intrinsic structures. Herein, the rational design of a π-extended diindole-fused diazapentacenone (IP), with a nine-ring-fused core, obtained by applying an intramolecular Friedel-Crafts diacylation synthetic routine, is reported. The chemical structure, physical properties, and morphology of IP were fully characterized. Serving as an organic cathode material for a lithium-ion battery, the as-prepared nanorods of π-extended IP display higher conductivity and superior electrochemical performance than those of the naked diazapentacenone without diindole fusion. Extra piece of π: Nanorods of a π-extended, diindole-fused diazapentacenone with a nine-ring-fused core displayed higher conductivity and superior lithium storage performance than that of the naked diazapentacenone without diindole fusion (see figure).