Harnessing non-covalent interactions in modified thiophenes: structural design and applications in materials and biological sciences

Abstract

Thiophene, a ubiquitous and versatile heterocyclic compound, serves as a cornerstone for modern material sciences due to its distinctive electronic properties and ability to engage in non-covalent interactions, such as π⋯π stacking and chalcogen bonding. These interactions can be further enhanced by introducing hydrogen and halogen bond donor groups, rendering functionalized thiophenes highly adaptable and invaluable across a broad spectrum of scientific disciplines. This highlight examines the pivotal role of thiophene-based compounds in advancing organic electronic materials (semiconductors, nonlinear optics, solar cells), sensors, medicinal chemistry (drug design), solid-state reactions (polymerization, mechanochemistry), crystal engineering and the formation of supramolecular helices. The properties and applications of these compounds are predominantly explored through crystallographic data, complemented by microscopy and density functional theory (DFT) studies. From designing advanced functional materials to pioneering new approaches in health and technology, thiophene derivatives exemplify the power of non-covalent interactions in driving innovation.