π‐conjugated molecules covered by permethylated cyclodextrins

Abstract Insulated π‐conjugated molecules, in which the π‐conjugated compounds are covered by a cyclic protective sheath, have attracted considerable attention because of their potential applicability in next‐generation mono‐molecular electronic devices. We have developed new methods of synthesizing insulated π‐conjugated molecules involving the self‐inclusion of rotaxane precursors linking π‐conjugated units as a guest and permethylated cyclodextrin (PMCD) as a macrocyclic host. The insulated π‐conjugated molecules thus formed are highly soluble in organic solvents and display photoluminescence efficiency. This paper also highlights a new method for synthesizing insulated molecular wire (IMW) through the polymerization of insulated π‐conjugated molecules as monomers. The IMWs thus formed have a high covering ratio, rigidity, and showed high charge mobility in the solid state; further, they are readily soluble in a variety of organic solvents. In this account, the synthetic methodologies and characteristic of insulated π‐conjugated molecules and IMWs are discussed. DOI 10.1002/tcr.201100009