Synthesis and photophysics of color-pure blue emitters featuring oxaboraphenanthrene as a novel structural motif

In a recent study, we synthesized novel, color-pure blue emitters, based on a simple ‘pencil and paper’ concept, termed DOBFT and DOBFIT, inspired by our ‘Poly-Heteroaromatic Omni-Delocalization’ (PHOD) concept. The molecules' asymmetric structure, distinct from the DABNA framework, posed significant synthetic challenges, necessitating careful modification of existing strategies and considerable trial and error. While previous publications have primarily focused on the PHOD concept and the properties of DOBFT and DOBFIT, they often overlooked the complexities of their synthesis. In this paper, we provide a detailed account of the synthesis processes and challenges, offering valuable insights for researchers pursuing similar efforts. Additionally, we introduce a new molecule, DOBFITX, with its synthesis meticulously documented, along with a comprehensive, combined spectroscopic and computational analysis of the photophysical properties of these molecules.