Carbon-Bridged Oligo(phenylenevinylene)s that Reveal Cryogenic Phenomena at Room Temperature

We have developed carbon-bridged oligo(phenylenevinylene)s (COPVs), in which the molecular structure of the phenylenevinylenes is constricted via intramolecular bridging by carbon atoms, or more specifically, substituted methylene groups. COPVs are characterized by their rigid planar molecular structure, which is ideal for the expansion of π-conjugation, and leads to excellent functionality and high stability. Most importantly, COPVs exhibit some phenomena at room temperature that conventional molecules only demonstrate at cryogenic temperatures. In this account, the features of COPVs will be outlined together with research background on structural control using carbon bridges.