Benzo[b]naphtho[1,2‐d]thiophene Sulfoxides: Biomimetic Synthesis, Photophysical Properties, and Applications

Abstract A practical synthesis of nonsymmetrical thiophene‐fused aromatic systems has been developed that was inspired by the biodegradation of benzothiophene. For the first time, the photophysical properties of a series of π‐conjugated benzo[ b ]naphtho[1,2‐ d ]thiophene (BNT) sulfoxides were explored both in solution and in the solid state. The excellent fluorescence characteristics enable various applications of these compounds.