Chapter 2

Polymethines as Top Materials

Mário J. F. Calvete

Abstract

Polymethines are planar, conjugated compounds made up from an odd number of methine groups (CH) linked together by alternating single and double bonds, also known as cyanines. These highly conjugated compounds can absorb light at wide range of wavelengths, ranging from ultraviolet to infra red, just depending on the number of alternating double bonds present in their structure. Herein is presented a conspectus on the field of cyanines, where emphasis is set on their preparation and functionalization methods, along with more detailed examples on several promising applications with 165 references provided. Some synthetic details on the preparation of state-of-the-art compounds are given as well.

Total Pages: 78-112 (35)

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