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.