Abstract
In this thesis, the research projects are inclusive of the kinetic resolution of racemic 2-aryl cyclohexanols by Lipase AK and the synthesis and photophysical studies of novel blue electroluminescent materials. The first chapter of this thesis describes the investigation into the use of Lipase AK (Pseudomonas fluorescens) in the kinetic resolution of 2-arylcyclohexanols, resulting in a robust and effective process towards both (R,S)- and (S,R)-enantiomers of racemic 2-(1-naphthyl)- ((±)-1) and 2-phenylcyclohexanol ((±)-2) in high enantiomeric purity and excellent chemical yields. The low cost of raw materials, independency of reaction time, and the recyclability of the enzyme makes this newly developed process amenable for the large scale production of pure enantiomers of 1 and 2, both of which have found extensive utility as chiral auxiliaries in asymmetric synthesis.The second chapter details the work towards the development of novel chemical entities suitable for incorporation into the organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) with blue light emitting properties. The suitability and practicability of the newly generated materials in OLED applications were also investigated by determination of their electroluminescence as well as various photo- and chemophysical parameters. Towards this end, a plethora of substituted Alq3, a well documented electron transporting material, derivatives containing electron withdrawing and/or donating groups have been synthesized and characterized (i.e. 7, 11, 16, 21, 22, 28, 35, 40, 41, and 48).Additionally, novel polyaryl-substituted indenes (i.e. 49 and 83) have been synthesized and found to possess properties suitable for blue light emitting OLEDs. Details of this project as well as the abovementioned investigation constitute this thesis.