Effects of Heavy p‐Block Elements on Photophysical Properties of π‐Conjugated Complexes and Organoelement Compounds

Abstract

π‐Conjugated compounds exhibit remarkable photophysical properties, such as strong light absorption and emission, and are applicable to organic devices, bioimaging, and sensing systems. The introduction of p‐block elements into π‐conjugated systems is presumable as a critical strategy for modulating their properties. Nevertheless, the type of utilized elements has been limited to the second and third‐period ones because it is difficult to construct critical electronic interactions between heavier atoms and carbon‐based π‐conjugated scaffolds. On the other hand, it has been recently suggested that the heavier p‐block elements are able to induce significant changes in the optoelectronic properties of π‐conjugated systems thanks to their large size, high polarizability, and heavy atom effect. Although there are much room to explore effects of heavy‐atom substitution on physical and electronic properties of conjugated systems, various characters have been discovered. Hence, this review mainly focuses on the relationships between the types of p‐block elements and the optical properties of their representative complexes and organoelement compounds, particularly light absorption and emission.