Study of a bifuran vs. bithiophene unit for the rational design of π-conjugated systems. What have we learned?

A comparative study of two structural isomers highlights the advantages of bifuran vs. bithiophene units in conjugated systems, such as higher fluorescence, solubility, and increased stability of the oxidized species. Importantly, we have found that the small bifuran unit bestows the advantages found in longer oligofurans, and should be considered in the rational design of π-conjugated systems.