Four-membered rings are classic strained motifs and continuously provide inspiration for chemists. Our lab has explored the building and breaking of four-membered rings in various material designs. We developed catalytic arene-norbornene annulation (CANAL) to synthesize rigid ladder polymers or conjugated molecules containing antiaromatic cyclobudienoids, leading to disparate, exciting applications. We also explored the mechanochemistry of four-membered rings to develop a new family of polymers that dramatically respond to mechanical force. These examples demonstrate the rewarding exploration of strained molecules at the interfaces of science and engineering.

Building and breaking four-membered rings in material designs

Fall 2022 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch in mid-September.

ACS Fall 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.