Designer benzimidazoles: Synthesis, characterization, and applications

Abstract

The research presented in this thesis is centered on the design and synthesis of molecules which are derived from benzimidazoles and their applications. The first chapter provides an introduction to benzimidazoles and N-heterocyclic carbenes, a unique class of molecules derived from benzimidazoles. The second chapter describes the use of benzobis(imidazolium) salts in the design and development of a new class of fluorescent materials demonstrated to be robust with strong photoluminescent properties as well as tunable electronic and physical characteristics. These materials have potential application as fluorophores, sensory materials, and models for photophysical studies. The final chapter describes the development of a mechanically-activated catalyst system with applications to stress-responsive and self-healing materials.