A Photoswitchable and Photoluminescent Organic Semiconductor Based On Cation–π and Carboxylate–Pyridinium Interactions: A Supramolecular Approach

More than the sum of the parts: The property of a supramolecular material can differ significantly from those of the constituent materials. Two organic components, which are nonconductive, nonphotochromic, and nonluminescent, were shown to self-assemble by cation–π, π–π, and carboxylate–pyridinium interactions. An organic semiconductor is thus produced with significant charge mobility and photochromic and photoluminescence properties.