Ferroelectric crystals with naphthenic hydrocarbon-modified carborane vertices†

Abstract

In this study, we present the first synthesis of ferroelectric crystals where the carbon vertices of carboranes are substituted with cycloalkane groups. These crystals include 1,2-(1,3-propanediyl)-o-carborane (1) and 1,2-(1,4-hexanediyl)-o-carborane (2), both of which exhibit relatively high Curie temperatures at 328.6 K and 320.6 K. Notably, to the best of our knowledge, this represents the first instance of ferroelectric crystals derived from modifications at the carbon vertex of carborane. This discovery provides a valuable new avenue for research into novel carborane-based ferroelectrics and holds promise for advancing the broader application of ferroelectric materials.