Electronic structure, aromaticity and spectra of hetero[8]circulenes

The present review highlights recent advances in experimental and theoretical chemistry dealing with investigation of the electronic structures and physicochemical properties of hetero[8]circulenes. These compounds are the only representatives of planar heteroannulated cyclooctatetraenes. It is shown that high molecular symmetry of hetero[8]circulenes and the extended specific -conjugated chain are the main factors responsible for high stability of the crystal packing modes and the optical and magnetic properties of these compounds. These effects also determine numerous selection rules for electronic and vibrational transitions in UV-Vis, IR and Raman spectra. Emphasis is given to the aromaticity of hetero[8]circulenes containing the inner antiaromatic cyclooctatetraene core. The planar structure of the latter is stabilized by a polyaromatic system composed of benzene rings and five-membered heterocycles. Due to high thermal and chemical stability of most hetero[8]circulenes combined with semiconducting properties, these compounds can be considered as promising materials for molecular electronics and nanophotonics, in particular for the production of organic light-emitting diodes and field-effect transistors. The bibliography includes 154 references.