Outline

Our research group conducts the design of molecular dynamics in crystals and photo-physical functions in solid-state by studying the interaction of light and molecules. Generally, molecules in crystals are densely packed and show limited atomic and molecular motion. However, design elements that generate sufficient volume near the molecules allow for large angular displacements, even in the solid phase. Recently, we have developed a molecular crystalline platform by utilizing N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) metal complexes to construct various three-dimensional structures for showing molecular rotation in emissive crystals. Based on this novel method, we develop a broad range of crystalline rotors and correlated solid-state photo-physical properties.