Molecular Biology: Open Access

The Development of Next Generation Electronics and Molecular Devices

Abstract

Adam Smith*

Single-molecule switches, capable of modulating electronic properties on a nanoscale, hold immense promise for the development of nextgeneration electronics and molecular devices. Ladder-type conjugated molecules have emerged as a particularly intriguing class of compounds for this purpose. Their unique structural features, including extended conjugation and intramolecular charge transfer, enable the realization of robust multi-state switching behavior at the single-molecule level. This article explores the recent advancements in the design, synthesis, and characterization of ladder-type conjugated molecules as versatile single-molecule switches. Ladder-type conjugated molecules possess a distinctive ladder-like structure, with multiple aromatic rings connected by cross-conjugated bonds. This arrangement promotes efficient charge delocalization along the molecular backbone, leading to enhanced electronic communication between different segments.