Providing a stable and reliable supply of electrons is crucial for the future of quantum computing processors. Here, electron withdrawing groups are added to species which improve the flow of electrons.

Just like any other computer, a quantum computer needs a processor to function. While everyday computers contain silicon-based chips with minute electrical ‘on/off’ switches, quantum information processors rely on electron spin. Repeated and reliable electronic excitations and de-excitations in molecules, without a change in their vibrational state (so-called optical cycling), can be used to place all electrons with equivalent spin (where the spin can be used as the qubit) in the same state for quantum operations. Molecules that perform such laser-induced cycling are called optical cycling centres (OCCs). While lanthanides and alkaline earth alkoxides are considered to be exciting OCC candidates, extending the range to larger molecules is of great interest.