Polyynes to polycycles: New approaches to the rapid assembly of π-rich materials

In this thesis, a new approach to the preparation of the basic building blocks of smart materials is being explored. These methods will enhance the design and manufacturing of novel materials that interact with light: convert light into electrical energy or electric energy into light. Initial efforts around this methodology have resulted in the discovery of a novel form of chiral molecules, referred to as chiral fjord-edged graphene nanoribbons (GNRs), with potential applications in nanotechnology, quantum computing, and medical diagnostics.