Hexaaryl[3]radialenes

Reactions of diarylmethyl anions whose conjugate acids are more acidic than diphenylmethane with tetrachlorocyclopropene are found to afford hexaaryl-[3]radialenes in modest to good yields, thus leading to the first synthesis of hexaphenyl[3]radialene itself too; X-ray crystalographic analysis of hexakis(p-cyanophenyl)[3]radialene reveals a double three-bladed conformation.     

Expanded radialenes with bicyclo[4.3.1]decatriene units: new precursors to cyclo[n]carbons

A new method for the formation of conjugated polyynes has been developed based on both the rearrangement of vinylidenes to alkynes and the [2+1] cheletropic fragmentation of dialkynylmethylenebicyclo[4.3.1]deca-1,3,5-triene derivatives. A model study of the photolysis of simple dialkynylmethylenebicyclo[4.3.1]deca-1,3,5-trienes resulted in cheletropic fragmentation followed by 1,2-migration to give the corresponding linear polyynes, although undesired isomerization to methylenebicyclo[5.3.0]triene derivatives took place concurrently. Expanded [3]-, [4]-, [5]-, and [6]radialene derivatives with exocyclic bicyclo[4.3.1]decatriene units were prepared by oxidative coupling of the monomeric units as precursors to the corresponding cyclo[n]carbons, monocyclic forms of carbon clusters. The spectroscopic properties of the expanded radialenes were investigated in connection with cross conjugation of the core pi system and with its perturbation by the extraannular bicyclic pi system. In negative-mode laser-desorption time-of-flight (LD-TOF) mass spectra, the expanded radialenes exhibited peaks due to the corresponding cyclo[n]carbon anions (n = 18, 24, 30, and 36) formed by the stepwise loss of the aromatic indane fragments.     

Thermal and Photochemical Isomerization of Tetraaryl Tetrakis(trifluoromethyl)

The isomerization of tetraaryl tetrakis(trifluoromethyl)[4]radialenes was studied. When type II (all-Z) isomers of 5,6,7,8-tetraaryl-5,6,7,8-tetrakis(trifluoromethyl)[4]radialenes were heated in tetralin at 170-200 degrees C, isomerization occurred to give mixtures of four [4]radialenes in a ratio of ca. I:II:III:IV = 1:10:5:1. However, when the isomeric mixtures were heated in the solid state at the same temperature, selective isomerization took place to give type II isomers in good selectivity (>91%). Upon irradiation with light, the type II isomers first isomerized to mixtures of the four [4]radialene isomers (I:II:III:IV = 2:2:48:48) and then rearranged to cyclobuta[b]naphthalenes via a 6pi-electrocyclic reaction followed by 1,3-hydrogen migration.     

Einelektronen-Redox-Reaktionen von Octamethyl[4]radialen: Nachweis der Alternanz geradzahliger Radialene

One-Electron Redox Reactions of Octamethyl[4]radialene: Proof of the Alternancy of Even-Membered Radialenes The photoelectron spectrum of octamethyl[4]radialene ( = tetrakis(dimethylmethylidene)cyclobutane) yields the rather low first vertical ionization of only 7.30 eV and, therefore, the molecule can be oxidized by AlCl₃/CH₂Cl₂ to its radical cation. The ESR and ENDOR signal patterns recorded are almost identical with those of the radical anion, generated in a [2.2.2]cryptand THF solution by reduction at a potassium metal mirror. Their near congruency is in accord with the alternant π molecular properties of even-membered radialenes as predicted by HMO theory, and larger changes of the D_2d structure of C₈(CH₃)₈ during the redox reactions are presumably hindered by the steric overcrowding in persubstituted [4]radialenes.     

Highly functionalized dimeric tetraethynylethenes and expanded radialenes: strong evidence for macrocyclic cross-conjugation

A selection of dimeric tetraethynylethenes (TEEs) and perethynylated expanded radialenes, containing different donor/acceptor substitution patterns, have been prepared and fully characterized. The first X-ray crystal structure of an expanded [6]radialene, with twelve peripheral 3,5-di(tert-butyl)phenyl substituents, is presented. This macrocycle, the all-carbon core of which is isomeric with fullerene C60, adopts a non-planar, "chair-like" conformation. Also a TEE dimer, carrying N,N-dimethylaniline donor substituents, has been subjected to an X-ray crystallographic analysis. The electronic properties were studied by UV/Vis spectroscopy and electrochemistry, providing fundamental insight into mechanisms of pi-electron delocalization in the acyclic and macrocyclic chromophores. Donor or donor-acceptor-substituted dimeric TEE derivatives show very strong absorptions extending over the entire UV/Vis region; their longest wavelength absorption bands have high charge-transfer character. Macrocyclic cross-conjugation in the expanded radialenes becomes increasingly efficient with increasing donor-acceptor polarization. A dual, strongly solvent-polarity-dependent fluorescence was observed for a tetrakis(N,N-dimethylaniline)-substituted dimeric TEE; this interesting emission behavior is explained by the twisted intramolecular charge-transfer (TICT) state model. Donor-substituted expanded radialenes display huge resonance-enhanced third-order nonlinear optical coefficients.     

α-Cyano Triaryl[3]radialene: Unsymmetrical Stereo-configuration,Clustering-enhanced Excimer Emission,and Radical-involved Multimodal Information Switching

[3]Radialene has a peculiar topology and cross-conjugation system, representing a unique molecular scaffold in organic materials. Herein, we report a special class of stereoisomeric α-cyano triaryl[3]radialenes ( CTRs ) that show concentration-caused quenching in solution but emit red-shifted and enhanced luminescence in the crystalline state. Clustering of multiple cyano groups and their through-space interactions with the [3]radialene ring significantly extend π-electron communication meanwhile rigidifying the propeller conformation multivalently, thus playing a key role behind the state-dependent luminescence. These radialenes with a substantial electron affinity undergo a reversible electron transfer transition to anionic radicals with good stability, showing switching of photoabsorption, photoluminescence and electron spin resonance (ESR) signal. We also established proof-of-concept applications of CTRs for multimodal information encryption and chemical sensing.     

Ruthenium complexes of hexakis(cyanophenyl)[3]radialenes and their di(cyanophenyl)methane precursors: synthesis,photophysical, and electrochemical properties

The coordination chemistry of cross-conjugated ligands and the effect of cross-conjugation on the nature of metal–metal and metal–ligand interactions have received limited attention. To explore the effects of cross-conjugation eight ruthenium complexes were synthesized, mononuclear complexes of two isomeric cross-conjugated [3]radialenes [RuCp(PPh₃)₂(L)]PF₆ and [{RuCp*(dppe)}(L)]PF₆ (L?=?hexakis(4-cyanophenyl)[3]radialene, 2; hexakis(3-cyanophenyl)[3]radialene, 3), and dinuclear complexes [{RuCp(PPh₃)₂}₂(L)](PF₆)₂ and [{RuCp*(dppe)}₂(L)](PF₆)₂ of the diarylmethane precursors (L?=?4,4′-dicyanodiphenylmethane, 4; 3,3′-dicyanodiphenylmethane, 5) to the [3]radialenes. Considerable synthetic challenges allowed only clean isolation of mononuclear complexes of the multidentate radialenes 2 and 3. As expected, coordinating a positively charged metal induces a red shift for the π–π* transition in complexes of ligand 2, but unexpectedly a blue shift for the same transition in complexes of 3 was observed. This points to conformational differences for the [3]radialene in the ruthenium complexes of the para- (2) versus meta- (3) substituted hexaaryl[3]radialenes. Cyclic voltammetry indicates that the methylene spacer in 4 and 5 does not enable any interaction between metal centers and the absorption behavior is essentially as observed for [Ru(NCPh)(PPh₃)₂Cp]PF₆ and [Ru(NCPh)(dppe)Cp*]PF₆ but generally with a slight red shift in absorbance maxima.     

Tetrakis (methylidene)cyclobutane (‘[4]Radialene’): Electronic states of the molecular ion

The photoelectron spectrum of tetrakis (methylidene)cyclobutane ( 1 , ‘[4]radialene’) is reported. The electronic states of 1 ⁺ are assigned on the basis of model calculations and with reference to related systems. Jahn-Teller activity in the degenerate states is discussed. A failure of the simple LCBO-model for the π(e_g)-orbital of 1 is noted and traced to the fact that this orbital, though having a symmetry-equivalent π*-counterpart, does not interact with it. This feature is confined to [4n]radialenes; their total π-energies are therefore higher than those of the other members. It is shown that radialenes, in principle, do not constitute a class analogous to that of the linear polyenes as inferred earlier.     

Aromaticity and electron affinity of Carbo(k)-[3]radialenes, k=0, 1, 2

Aromaticity enhancement is a possible driving force for the low reduction potentials of buta-1,3-diynediyl-expanded [N]radialenes: this hypothesis is theoretically analyzed for the expanded [3]radialene prototype. This study is undertaken within a more general prospect, namely the evaluation of the variation of aromaticity with endocyclic and peripheral carbomeric expansion of [3]radialene and its mono- and dianions. The structures, denoted as [C-H](6) (h)[C-C](3) (k)carbo-[3]radialene(q) (h=0, 1; k=0, 1, 2; q=0, -1, -2), were optimized in relevant singlet, doublet, or triplet spin states at the B3PW91/6-31G** level. They were found to be all planar. The structural aromaticity was measured through the average bond length d(av) over the [C-C](3) (k)carbo-[3]radialene core, and by the corresponding bond-length equalization parameter sigma(d), related to Krygowski's GEO. The magnetic aromaticity was measured by Schleyer's NICS values at the center of the rings. Regarding the relative variation of NICS and sigma(d), two classes of species can be distinguished according to their endocyclic expansion level. The species with a nonexpanded (k=0) or doubly expanded (k=2) ring constitute the first class: they exhibit D(3h) symmetry and a strong correlation of NICS with sigma(d). The species with a singly expanded ring (k=1) fall far from the correlation line, and constitute the second class. This class distinction is related to the degeneracy scheme of the frontier orbitals of the neutral representative. A finer appraisal of the electron (de)localization is brought by the ELF (Electron Localization Function) analysis of the electron density. It allows for a weighting of relevant resonance forms. Unsubstituted species are well described by the superimposition of two or three resonance forms. For (doublet spin state) monoanionic species, their respective weights are validated by comparison with AIM spin density. The weighted mean, n, of the formal numbers of paired pi(z) electrons in the resonance forms was calculated and compared with the closest even integer of either forms 4m+2 or 4m. A density-based continuous generalization of the orbital-based discrete Hückel rule is then heuristically proposed through an analytical correlation of NICS versus sigma(d), n, and S, the spin of the species. The frontier-orbital-degeneracy pattern of neutral species is discussed with respect to structural and magnetic aromaticity criteria. A decreasing HOMO-LUMO gap versus endocyclic expansion is obtained, but [C-C](3) (1)carbo-[3]radialene possesses the highest HOMO and LUMO energies. Vertical and adiabatic electron affinities of neutral and monoanionic species were also computed and compared with related experimental data.     

Synthesis and Properties of 4,5,6-Triphospha[3]radialene

[3]Radialenes: 4,5,6-Tris(2,4,6-tri-tert-butylphenyl)phospha[3]radialene has been synthesized. The compound can be easily handled in air under ambient conditions, despite the [3]radialene moiety containing P?C bonds, and exhibits red-shifted absorption as well as high electron-accepting ability. The unique electronic properties are brought about by the synergistic effect of the [3]radialene framework and the phosphorus substitution.     

Hexakis(2-pyridyl)- and hexakis(3-pyridyl)[3]radialene: novel,water-soluble [3]radialenes with potential utility for supramolecular chemistry

The titled [3]radialenes are the first, water-soluble hexaaryl[3]radialenes with considerably high electron affinity, their alkali metal reduction giving rise to anion-radicals and dianions stepwise as fairly stable species in degassed tetrahydrofuran.     

Description of carbo-oxocarbons and assessment of exchange-correlation functionals for the DFT description of carbo-mers

Mono- and polycyclic valence isomers of carbo-[3]oxocarbon C(9)O(3) and carbo-[5]oxocarbon C(15)O(5) have been characterized on the singlet spin state potential energy surface. By contrast to their geometry, their relative stability is highly sensitive to the calculation level. The performance of LDA, GGA, meta-GGA, and hybrid functionals is compared to that of HF, post-HF, and multiconfigurational calculations. The results obtained for C(9)O(3) are compared to those obtained for hydrocarbon analogues such as &[3]pericyclyne C9(H2)3 and carbo-[3]radialene C9(CH2)3 and are analyzed on the basis of an energy decomposition scheme. The respective role of the exchange and correlation counterparts of the functional in the discrepancy of the results is discussed.     

Heteroatom-substituted expanded radialenes: one-pot synthesis and characterization of expanded 1,3-dithiolane[n]radialenes

The one-pot synthesis, crystal structure, and electronic absorption properties of expanded 1,3-dithiolan[5]radialene (6a), the first heteroatom-substituted expanded radialene molecule with dithiolanylidene groups as strongly donor termini, has been developed. Catalyzed by Ni(PPh3)2Cl2-PdCl2-CuI, radialene 6a was assembled by a highly efficient one-pot and protection-free oxidative coupling reaction of five alpha-enediyne units starting from the ready available alpha,alpha-diethynyl ketene dithioacetal (13) under mild conditions. The crystal of 6a, obtained by slow evaporation of DMSO and acetone solutions, shows that the inclusion complex of DMSO molecules in the cavity of radialene 6a molecule is formed. More importantly, owing to the introduction of the strong electron-donating alkylthio groups, per(alkylthiolated) expanded radialene 6a shows an extremely strong intramolecular push-pull interaction and enhanced macrocyclic cross-conjugation.     

Radical Cations of Dithia- and Tetraselenaradialenes with Restricted Delocalization of the Unpaired Electron

The radical cations of the permethylated dithia[6]radialene 1 and the tetraselena[8]radialene 2 have been investigated by ESR- and ENDOR-spectroscopy. It is shown that in the radical cation of 1 the unpaired electron is delocalized only in one half of the molecule. The magnitude of the (33)S coupling constant suggests a restricted localization within the 2,3-dithiatetramethyl-butadiene unit. We ascribe the slow electron transfer from one part of the molecule to the other to steric effects. The analysis of the ESR spectrum of 2(*)()(+)() shows that only two of the four selenium atoms are involved. The delocalization of the unpaired electron is restricted to only one of the divinyl diselenide moieties with a slow electron transfer rate to the other one.     

Intramolecular electronic interactions in conjugated ferrocene-pi-extended-tetrathiafulvalene donor-pi-donor molecular hybrids

The synthesis of new hybrid ferrocene and pi-extended tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) donor(1)-pi-donor(2) molecular assemblies 16a-c has been carried out by a Wittig-Horner reaction of the respective phosphonate esters 15a-c with 2-(2-ferrocenylvinyl)-9, 10-anthraquinone (18) prepared by olefination of ferrocenecarboxaldehyde (14) and the anthraquinone phosphonium salt 17. Electrochemical studies show that the D(1)-pi-D(2) (D = donor) molecular assemblies 16a-c essentially retain the redox characteristics of both ferrocene and the pi-extended TTF components and the effects of solvent, temperature, scan rate, and working electrode are significant. Most importantly, pronounced intramolecular electronic interactions between the two donor moieties were observed by cyclic voltammetry and Osteryoung square wave voltammetry in both the ground and charged states. Semiempirical calculations support the electrochemical observations.     

First fused perpendicular hybrid tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) dimers: a new strategy in pi-extended and rigidified TTF

[structure: see text] The synthesis, theoretical calculations, and crystallographic and electrochemical properties of fused perpendicular tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) dimers incorporating both a TTF unit and a quinonoid pi-extended TTF are described as a new strategy for obtaining pi-extended, rigidified, and sulfur-rich analogues of TTF.     

Twin-rotor system created on a [4]radialene frame

[reaction: see text] Three extended [4]radialenes with two tricyclic rings connected with exocyclic butatriene units have been synthesized. The compounds, possessing thioxanthene and dihydroanthracene moieties as the terminal substituents, show a fast rotation around the butatriene bonds at ambient temperatures (DeltaG() = 13.7 and 14.9 kcal/mol, respectively). In contrast, the fluorene-substituted analogue shows a much higher rotational barrier (DeltaG() = 17.8 kcal/mol) of the butatriene bonds due to the reduced steric repulsion between the two fluorene moieties at the ground state.     

Unexpected nonadditivity effects in anion-π complexes

Several complexes of fluorine-substituted ethyne, ethene, butadiene, benzene, and [n]radialenes (n = 3-5) with two anions have been optimized at the RI-MP2/aug-cc-pVTZ level of theory. The additivity of the anion-π interaction was studied depending on the number of double bonds and fluorine atoms. Interesting nonadditivity effects were observed in the aromatic and antiaromatic complexes, which were analyzed by partitioning the total interaction energy into individual components, using Bader's theory of "atoms in molecules" and changes in the aromatic character of the ring upon complexation.     

Photophysical properties of ruthenium(II) polyazaaromatic compounds: a theoretical insight

Quantum-chemical methods are applied to study the nature of the excited states relevant in the photophysical processes (absorption and emission) of a series of polyazaaromatic-ligand-based ruthenium(II) complexes. The electronic and optical properties of the free polyazaaromatic ligands and their corresponding ruthenium(II) complexes are determined on the basis of correlated Hartree-Fock semiempirical approaches. While the emission of complexes containing small-size ligands, such as 1,10-phenanthroline or 2,2'-bipyridine, arises from a manifold of metal-to-ligand charge-transfer triplet states ((3)MLCTs), an additional ligand-centered triplet state ((3)L) is identified in the triplet manifold of complexes containing a pi-extended ligand such as dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine, tetrapyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c:3',2'-h:2',3'-j]phenazine, and 1,10-phenanthrolino[5,6-b]-1,4,5,8,9,12-hexaazatriphenylene. Recent experimental data are interpreted in light of these theoretical results; namely, the origin for the abnormal solvent- and temperature-dependent emission measured in pi-extended Ru complexes is revisited.     

Synthesis, properties, and structures of benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b']bis[b]benzothiophene and benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b']bis[b]benzoselenophene

Employing two consecutive cyclization reactions, benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b']bis[b]benzochalcogenophenes, which are pi-extended heteroarenes, were efficiently synthesized. Their electronic and crystal structures were elucidated on the basis of UV-vis spectra, electrochemical measurements, and X-ray structural analyses.