Benzobisthiadiazoles: From structure to function

Benzobisthiadiazole has been widely applied as a classic molecular backbone in the construction of various near-infrared fluorescent materials due to its excellent photostability, thermostability, far fluorescence emission, large stoke shifts, and adjustable structures. In this review, we summarize the recent progress of benzobisthiadiazole-based fluorescent dyes on organic semiconductors and biomaterials and discuss in detail the relationship between molecular structures (e.g. functional groups, conjugation, shielding unit, etc.) and properties (e.g. UV–Vis absorption, emission, band gap, Stokes shift, quantum yields, semiconductor property, bioimaging performance, etc.). A thorough understanding of these properties and related mechanisms is pertinent for the molecular design of novel benzobisthiadiazoles. It will be helpful for the molecular design of novel benzobisthiadiazoles.