Electron Deficient Building Blocks for n-Type Conjugated Polymers

doi:10.1007/s40242-025-5219-1

Abstract

Abstract: Electron-deficient building blocks are fundamental components in the construction of n-type conjugated polymers, which play a pivotal role in a broad range of organic optoelectronic devices. Over the past decades, considerable efforts have been devoted to the design and synthesis of novel electron-withdrawing units to expand the structural diversity and enhance the performance of conjugated polymers. This review systematically summarizes recent developments in electron-deficient moieties, including fused-imide cores, amide-based cores and quinoids. In addition, representative synthetic strategies and electronic structures are discussed. Particular attention is paid to molecular design principles, such as backbone planarity, intramolecular interactions, and side-chain engineering that contribute to the n-type performance in organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs) and organic thermoelectrics (OTE). The review summarizes with a perspective on future directions in the development of n-type conjugated polymers through innovative building block design.

Key words: Electron transport, Quinoidal compound, Organic electronics, n-Type, Conjugated polymer

PANG Pengfei, DENG Yunfeng. Electron Deficient Building Blocks for n-Type Conjugated Polymers[J]. Chemical Research in Chinese Universities, 2025, 41(6): 1334-1347.

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