Tetraepoxy[32]annulene(4.4.4.4) und `Tetraoxa[30]porphyrin(4.4.4.4)'‐Dikationen

Tetraepoxy[32]annulenes(4.4.4.4) and `Tetraoxa[30]porphyrin(4.4.4.4)' Dications Of the tetraepoxy[32]annulenes as well as the `tetraoxa[30]porphyrin' dications, hithertoo only the (8.0.8.0) and the (6.2.6.2) systems are known to exist in several geometric isomers and to possess antiaromatic and aromatic character, respectively. Here we describe the still missing symmetric member of the [32]annulenes, the tetraepoxy[32]annulene(4.4.4.4) 1 and the corresponding `tetraoxa[30]porphyrin(4.4.4.4)' dication 2 . The cyclizing Wittig reaction of the dialdehyde 3 with the bis‐phosphonium salt 7 at 70° yields the configurational isomers 1a (ZE,EE,EZ,EE), 1b (ZE,EE,EE,EE), and 1c (EZ,EE,EZ,EE). All isomers are antiaromatic; in 1a and 1c , the two (E,E)‐buta‐1,3‐diene‐1,4‐diyl bridges rotate around the adjacent σ‐bonds; the rigidity of 1b with 3 (E,E) bridges prevents any dynamic character. The Wittig reaction of 3 with 7 at 20° only yields the kinetically controlled annulene 1c , and at 120°, an excess of the thermodynamically most stable isomer 1a is formed. The structure of 1 is elucidated mainly by COSY and NOESY experiments, and the dynamic character of 1a and 1c is established by temperature‐dependent <sup>1</sup>H‐NMR spectroscopy. The oxidation of the isomer mixture 1a – c with 4,5‐dichloro‐3,6‐dioxocyclohexa‐1,4‐diene‐1,2‐dicarbonitrile (DDQ) gives two isomeric `tetraoxa[30]porphyrin(4.4.4.4)' dications 2′ and 2″ , which are frozen conformers with the same (EZ,EE,EZ,EE)‐configuration and geometrically related to 1c . Semiempirical calculations of 1 and 2 are in full agreement with the experimental results.     

Superheteroaromaten mit Furan‐Bausteinen: Isomere antiaromatische Tetraepoxy[36]annulene(6.4.6.4) und aromatische Tetraoxa[34]porphyrin(6.4.6.4)‐Dikationen

Superheteroaromatic Systems with Furan Building Blocks: Isomeric Antiaromatic Tetraepoxy[36]annulenes(6.4.6.4) and Aromatic Tetraoxa[34]porphyrin(6.4.6.4) Dications The title compounds are available by a twofold cyclizing Wittig reaction of (all‐E)‐3,3′‐(hexa‐1,3,5‐triene‐1,6‐diyldifuran‐5,2‐diyl)bis[prop‐2‐enal] ( 4 ) with (all‐E)‐(hexa‐1,3,5‐triene‐1,6‐diyl)bis(furan‐5,2‐diylmethylene)bis[triphenylphosphonium] dibromide ( 7 ). Two conformational isomers 2a / 2a ′ of (Z,E,E,E,E,Z,E,E,E,E)‐tetraepoxy[36]annulene(6.4.6.4) are obtained. The oxidation of 2a / 2a ′ yields two (E,E,Z,E,E,E,E,Z,E,E)‐tetraoxa[34]porphyrin(6.4.6.4) dications 3a / 3a ′, which are conformers, too. The oxidation of 2a / 2a ′ is accompanied by the isomerization of four ethen‐1,2‐diyl bridges. The reduction of the dications 3a / 3a ′ leads to the new (E,E,Z,E,E,E,E,Z,E,E)‐tetraepoxy[36]annulene(6.4.6.4) ( 2b ) and (E,E,E,Z,E,E,E,E,Z,E)‐tetraepoxy[36]annulene(6.4.6.4) ( 2c ). In 2b as well as in 2c , both 1,3‐butadiene‐1,4‐diyl bridges are rotating until −90°. The Δδ values, i.e., the maximum δ difference of the `inner' and `outer' perimeter protons of 3a / 3a ′ (26.62 and 25.32 ppm) are of the same size as the Δδ value of the tetramethyl[34]porphyrin(5.5.5.5) dication ( 1 ; Δδ=25.3 ppm); therefore, they might be called `superheteroaromatic' too. The Δδ values of the tetraepoxy[36]annulenes(6.4.6.4) ( 2a – c ; Δδ=2.3 – 3.3 ppm) establish that they are still paratropic; they represent the most expanded antiaromatic systems yet known.     

Konfigurations- und konformationsisomere paratrope,rotationsdynamische Tetraepoxy[32]annulene(6.2.6.2) und diatrope Tetraoxa[30]porphyrin(6.2.6.2)-Dikationen : Nachweis eines Tetraepoxy[31]annulen(6.2.6.2)-Radikalkations

Configurational and Conformational Isomeric Paratopic, Rotational Dynamics Tetraepoxy[30]annulenes(6.2.6.2) and Diatropic Tetraoxa[30]porphyrin(6.2.6.2) Dications: Detection of a Tetraepoxy[31]annulene(6.2.6.2)Radical Cation The synthesis of tetraepoxy[32]annulenes(6.2.6.2) ( 4 ) by a cyclizing twofold Wittig reaction of (E,E,E)-5,5′-(hexa-1,3,5-triene-1,6-diyl)bis[furan-2-carbaldehyde] ( 6 ) and the corresponding bis-phosphonium salt 7 is described (Scheme 1). Contrary to the configuration of the educts, the obtained annulenes 4a and 4b are (Z,E,E,E,Z,E,E,E)- and (E,Z,E,E,E,Z,E,E)-configurated, respectively. The ¹H-NMR spectra establish the paratropic, antiaromatic character of 4 . The annulenes 4 are highly dynamic systems, the (E)-ethenediyl bridges rotate around the adjacent σ-bonds, these rotations are frozen at −80°. The McMurry condensation of dialdehyde 6 yields the (E,E,Z,E,E,E,Z)-4,5-dihydrotetraepoxy[32]annulene(6.2.6.2) ( 13a ), where the configuration of the dialdehyde 6 – beside the hydrogenated double bond – is retained. As result of an intramolecular McMurry reaction of 6 , (Z,E,Z,Z)-dioxa[16]annulene(6.2) 14 is formed. By oxidation of the [32]annulenes(6.2.6.2) 4a and 4b , a mixture of the four stereoisomeric tetraoxa[30]porphyrin(6.2.6.2) dications 5a / 5a ′/ 5b / 5c is obtained; the configuration of the isomers is determined by COSY, NOESY, and NOE experiments. The Δδ values (26.81, 25.83, and 21.11 ppm) underline the diatropic, aromatic character of the dications 5 , the Soret bands are shifted bathochromically to 550 nm, and the Q-bands are in the NIR region (896 – 1039 nm). The dihydroannulene 13a is dehydrogenated by p-chloroanil (tetrachloro-1,4-benzoquinone) to give the annulenes 4a and 4b , its oxidation with DDQ (=4,5-dichloro-3,6-dioxocyclohexa-1,4-diene-1,2-dicarbonitrile) results in the same mixture of dications 5 . Entirely different results are obtained by reaction of the dihydroannulene 13a with DDQ. Here, the (E,E,E,Z,E,E,E,Z) tetraoxa[30]porphyrin(6.2.6.2) dication 5c – formed only in traces from 4a / 4b – is the main product. Beside 5c , a by-product (3%) can be isolated, which turns out (ESR, conductivity) to be the (E,E,E,Z,E,E,E,Z)-tetraoxa[31]porphyrin(6.2.6.2) radical cation 16 , obviously the intermediate in the oxidation sequence of the annulene to the dication. This result leads to the conclusion that the reaction of the dihydro compound 13a with p-chloroanil and DDQ follows different reaction mechanisms. For all isolated stereoisomeric tetraepoxy annulenes and tetraoxaporphyrin dications, the ΔH_f values are calculated by the semiempiric AM1 method. The results are in agreement with the experimental observations. All data confirm the antiaromaticity of the tetraepoxy[32]annulenes(6.2.6.2) 4 and the aromaticity of the tetraoxa[30]porphyrin(6.2.6.2) dications.     

Diepoxy[18]annulene(10.0) : (Z,E,Z,E,Z)‐Diepoxy[18]annulen(10.0) – ein hochdynamisches Annulen

Diepoxy[18]annulenes(10.0): ( Z , E , Z , E , Z )‐Diepoxy[18]annulene(10.0) – a Highly Dynamic Annulene The McMurry reaction of (all‐E)‐5,5′‐([2,2′‐bifuran]‐5,5′‐diyl)bis[penta‐2,4‐dienal] ( 13 ) only occurs intramolecularly to give a mixture of the diepoxy[18]annulenes(10.0) 6 and 7 . Tetraepoxy[36]annulene(10.0.10.0) resulting from an intermolecular McMurry reaction is not formed. According to spectroscopic data, 6 is (Z,E,Z,E,Z)‐ and 7 (Z,E,E,Z,E)‐configured. The ¹H‐NMR data confirm that in 6 the (E)‐ethene‐1,2‐diyl bonds (C(11)=C(12) and C(15)=C(16)) rotate around the adjacent σ‐bonds. Beginning at −70°, this rotation freezes, and 6 is becoming a diatropic aromatic ring system. Beside [18]annulene itself, (Z,E,Z,E,Z)‐diepoxy[18]annulene(10.0) 6 is the only hitherto known [18]annulene derivative with dynamic properties.     

Annulenoide Tetrathiafulvalene:, 5,16‐Bis(1,3‐benzodithiol‐2‐yliden)‐5,16‐dihydrotetraepoxy‐ und 5,16‐Bis(1,3‐benzodithiol‐2‐yliden)‐5,16‐dihydrotetraepithio[22]annulene(2.1.2.1)

Annulenoid Tetrathiafulvalenes: 5,16‐Bis(1,3‐benzodithiol‐2‐ylidene)‐5,16‐dihydrotetraepoxy‐ and 5,16‐Bis(1,3‐benzodithiol‐2‐ylidene)‐5,16‐dihydrotetraepithio[22]annulenes(2.1.2.1) The title compounds are among the first tetrathiafulvalenes with annulene spacers, here with tetraepoxy‐[22]annulene(2.1.2.1) (see 3a ), tetraepithio[22]annulene(2.1.2.1) (see 3b ), and diepithiodiepoxy[22]annulene(2.1.2.1) (see 23 ) units. The annulenoid tetrathiafulvalenes 3a and 3b are prepared by cyclizing McMurry coupling of the 5,5′‐(1,3‐benzodithiol‐2‐ylidenemethylene)bis[furan‐ or thiophene‐2‐carbaldehydes] ( 8a or 8b , resp.) or by Wittig reaction of (1,3‐benzodithiol‐2‐yl)tributylphosphonium tetrafluoroborate ( 13b ) with tetraepoxy[22]annulene(2.1.2.1)‐1,12‐dione 20 (formation of 3a ) or diepithiodiepoxy[22]annulene(2.1.2.1)‐1,12‐dione 22 (formation of 23 ). The annulenoide tetrathiafulvalene 3a is obtained as a mixture of the isomers (E,E)‐ and (Z,Z)‐ 3a . At 130°, (Z,Z)‐ 3a rearranges quantitatively into the (E,E)‐isomer. Isomer (E,E)‐ 3a is a dynamic molecule, where the (E)‐ethene‐1,2‐diyl bridges rotate around the adjacent σ‐bonds. The tetraepithioannulene derivative 3b as well as 23 only exist in the (Z,Z)‐configuration. The oxidation of (E,E/Z,Z)‐ 3a with Br₂ yields the annulene‐bridged tetrathiafulvalene dication (E,E)‐ 3a _Ox, while with 4,5‐dichloro‐3,6‐dioxocyclohexa‐1,4‐diene‐1,2‐dicarbonitrile (DDQ) obviously only the radical cation 3a _Sem is formed, which belongs to the class of cyanine‐like violenes. The annulenoide tetrathiafulvalenes 3b and 23 , which exist only in the (Z,Z)‐configuration, obviously for steric reasons, cannot be oxidized by DDQ. Electrochemical studies are in agreement with these results.     

8,19-Dimethyl-tetraepoxy[22]annulen(2.1.2.1): ein erstes Tetraepoxy-Verbrücktes aromatisches [22]Annulen

8,19-Dimethyl-tetraepoxy[22]annulen(2.1.2.1): The First Tetraepoxy-Bridged Aromatic[22]Annulene By McMurry reaction of 5,5′-ethylidenebis[furan-2-carbaldehyde] ( 15 ), a syn/anti mixture 16 of (E,E)- and (Z,Z)-8,19-dihydro-8,19-dimethyl-tetraepoxy[22]annulene is obtained. The (E/E)-isomers 16 are the first rotation- ally active noncyclic conjugated macrocycles, where the (E)-ethenediyl moieties rotate around the connecting single bonds. The dihydro-tetraepoxy[22]annulenes 16 are dehydrogenated by (Ph₃C)BF₄ as well as by O₂ to give the tetraepoxy[22]annulene 11 . The spectroscopic data support the character of 11 as an aromatic, diatropic ring system, which is rather sensitive towards O₂. In the oxidation mixture obtained from 11 , beside polymeric products, two compounds 19 and 20 can be isolated, carrying one and two CHO groups, respectively, resulting by oxidation of one or both Me-groups but having retained the aromatic 22π system of 11 .     

Konfigurations- und konformationsisomere antiaromatische [28]Tetraoxaporphyrinoide(4.2.4.2) und aromatische [26]Tetraoxaporphyrin(4.2.4.2)-dikationen. Eine neue Form molekularer Dynamik in makrocyclischen Systemen

Configurational and Conformational Isomeric Antiaromatic [28]Tetraoxaporphyrinoids(4.2.4.2) and Aromatic [26]Tetraoxaporphyrin(4.2.4.2) Dications. A New Type of Molecular Dynamics in Macrocyclic Systems The [28]tetraoxaporphyrinoids(4.2.4.2) 6 are synthesized by cyclizing Wittig reaction of (E, E)-5, 5′-(buta-1, 3-diene-1, 4-diyl)bis[furan-2-carbaldehyde] (8) with (E, E)-{(buta-1, 3-diene-diyl)bis[(furan-5, 2-diyl)methylene]}bis-[triphenylphosphonium] dibromide (9) and 3, 3′-{[(E)-ethene-1, 2-diyl]bis(furan-5, 2-diyl)}bis[(E)-prop-2-enal] ( 22 ) with (E)-{(ethene-1, 2-diyl)bis[(furan-5.2- diy)methylene]}bis[triphenylphosphonium] dibromide ( 23 ). An alternative path to get 6 is the McMurry condensation of 8 . Four different configurational isomers of 6 could be isolated and characterized by ¹H-NMR spectroscopy. The (Z, EE, Z, EE)-isomer 6a is the first macrocyclic system where the inner and outer protons of the (E, E)-dienediyl bridges exchange by rotation around the adjacent single bonds. In the (Z, EE, E, EE)-isomer 6b , the (E)-ethenediyl bridge is rotationally active, while in the (E, ZE, E, EZ)-isomer 6c and in the (E, EZ, E, EZ)-isomer 6e , the rotation of both (E)-ethenediyl bridges is observed. When in the dynamic systems the rotation of the active (E)-double bonds at temperatures T < ?90° is frozen, all configurational isomers of 6 appear to be antiaromatic and paratropic. The oxidation of the [28]tetraoxaporphyrinoids 6c and 6e with DDQ yields the aromatic, diatropic [26]tetraoxaporphyrin(4.2.4.2) dications 21e/21e ′ both with (E, EZ, E, EZ)-configuration but different fixed conformations. (Z, EE, Z, EE)-Isomer 6a is oxidized to give the (Z, EE, Z, EE)-dication 21a , while the oxidation of 6b yields a mixture of 21a and 21e/21e ′. The standard formation enthalpies of the obtained and expected [28]tetraoxaporphyrinoids 6 and [26]tetraoxaporphyrin dications 21 have been calculated with the AM1 method, showing good accordance with the experimental results.     

Linking Deltahedral Zintl Clusters with Conjugated Organic Building Blocks: Synthesis and Characterization of the Zintl Triad [R‐Ge9‐CHCHCHCH‐Ge9‐R]4−

The accessibility of triads with deltahedral Zintl clusters in analogy to fullerene–linker–fullerene triads is another example for the close relationship between fullerenes and Zintl clusters. The compound {[K(2.2.2‐crypt)]₄[RGe₉‐CH?CH? CH?CH‐Ge₉R]}(toluene)₂ (R=(2Z,4E)‐7‐amino‐5‐aza‐hepta‐2,4‐dien‐2‐yl), containing two deltahedral [Ge₉] clusters linked by a conjugated (1Z,3Z)‐buta‐1,3‐dien‐1,4‐diyl bridge, was synthesized through the reaction of 1,4‐bis(trimethylsilyl)butadiyne with K₄Ge₉ in ethylenediamine and crystallized after the addition of 2.2.2‐cryptand and toluene. The compound was characterized by single‐crystal structure analysis as well asNMR and IR spectroscopy.     

Linking Deltahedral Zintl Clusters with Conjugated Organic Building Blocks: Synthesis and Characterization of the Zintl Triad [R‐Ge9‐CHCH?CHCH‐Ge9‐R]4−

The accessibility of triads with deltahedral Zintl clusters in analogy to fullerene–linker–fullerene triads is another example for the close relationship between fullerenes and Zintl clusters. The compound {[K(2.2.2‐crypt)]₄[RGe₉‐CHCH CHCH‐Ge₉R]}(toluene)₂ (R=(2Z,4E)‐7‐amino‐5‐aza‐hepta‐2,4‐dien‐2‐yl), containing two deltahedral [Ge₉] clusters linked by a conjugated (1Z,3Z)‐buta‐1,3‐dien‐1,4‐diyl bridge, was synthesized through the reaction of 1,4‐bis(trimethylsilyl)butadiyne with K₄Ge₉ in ethylenediamine and crystallized after the addition of 2.2.2‐cryptand and toluene. The compound was characterized by single‐crystal structure analysis as well asNMR and IR spectroscopy.     

Quinolone Analogs 13: Synthesis of Novel 1,1′‐(2‐Methylenepropane‐1,3‐diyl)di(4‐quinolone‐3‐carboxylate) and Related Compounds

The reaction of the 4‐hydroxyquinoline‐3‐carboxylate 6 with pentaerythritol tribromide gave the 1,1′‐(2‐methylenepropane‐1,3‐diyl)di(4‐quinolone‐3‐carboxylate) 11 , whose reaction with bromine afforded the 1,1′‐(2‐bromo‐2‐bromomethylpropane‐1,3‐diyl)di(4‐quinolone‐3‐carboxylate) 12 . Compound 12 was transformed into the (Z)‐1,1′‐(2‐acetoxymethylpropene‐1,3‐diyl)di(4‐quinolone‐3‐carboxylate) 13 or (E)‐1,1′‐[2‐(imidazol‐1‐ylmethyl)propene‐1,3‐diyl]di(4‐quinolone‐3‐carboxylate) 14 . Hydrolysis of the dimer (Z)‐ 13 or (E)‐ 14 with potassium hydroxide provided the (E)‐1,1′‐(2‐hydroxymethylpropene‐1,3‐diyl)di(4‐quinolone‐3‐carboxylic acid) 15 or (Z)‐1,1′‐[2‐(imidazol‐1‐ylmethyl)propene‐1,3‐diyl]di(4‐quinolone‐3‐carboxylic acid) 16 , respectively. The nuclear Overhauser effect (NOE) spectral data supported that those hydrolysis resulted in the geometrical conversion of (Z)‐ 13 into (E)‐ 15 or (E)‐ 14 into (Z)‐ 16 .     

‘Oligomere' Kondensationsprodukte von (1E,3E,5E)‐1,6‐Di(2‐furyl)hexa‐1,3,5‐trien mit Acetaldehyd: Tetrahydro‐tetramethyl‐octaepoxy[60]annulen(6.1.6.1.6.1.6.1)

Oligomeric Condensation Products of (1 E ,3 E ,5 E )‐1,6‐Di(2‐furyl)hexa‐1,3,5‐triene with Acetaldehyde: Tetrahydro‐tetramethyl‐octaepoxy[60]annulene(6.1.6.1.6.1.6.1) The Ca(NO₃)₂‐induced condensation of (1E,3E,5E)‐1,6‐di(2‐furyl)hexa‐1,3,5‐triene ( 6 ) with acetaldehyde yields the linear ‘oligomers' 7 – 11 with 2–6 1,6‐di(2‐furyl)hexa‐1,3,5‐triene units and 1–4 acetaldehyde units, besides a cyclic condensation product 12 obtained from 4 equiv. of 6 with 4 equiv. of acetaldehyde. According to spectroscopic studies, 12 is the tetrahydro‐tetramethyl‐octaepoxy[60]annulene(6.1.6.1.6.1.6.1) as the most expanded annulene system known so far. While the dehydrogenation of 12 to give the tetramethyl‐octaepoxy[60]annulene(6.1.6.1.6.1.6.1) cannot be achieved, the oxidation of 12 with Br₂ yields a black, in all organic solvents nearly insoluble solid 14 , which possibly is the tetramethyl‐octaepoxy[58]annulene(6.1.6.1.6.1.6.1) dication. Because of the insolubility of 14 , unfortunately most of its spectroscopic data are not available. However, the λ_max values in the UV/VIS/NIR spectrum of 14 (Soret and Q bands) are in line with the values of the tetraepoxy[26]annulene(4.2.4.2) dication, the tetraepoxy[30]annulene(4.4.4.4) dication, and the tetraepoxy[34]annulene(6.4.6.4) dication.     

A New Monomer for π‐Conjugated Polymers — Synthesis and Characterization of Bis((Z)‐5‐phenyl‐2‐phenylmethylidene‐1, 3‐dithiole‐4‐yl)monosulfane

Bis((Z)‐5‐phenyl‐2‐phenylmethylidene‐1, 3‐dithiole‐4‐yl)monosulfane ( 6 ), a molecule consisting of two diphenyldithiafulvene units connected by a sulfur bridge, was synthesized by the selective lithiation of (Z)‐4‐phenyl‐2‐phenylmethylidene‐1, 3‐dithiole ( 7a ) at the endocyclic double bond and by subsequent reaction of the lithiated intermediate with bis(phenylsulfonyl)sulfane. Since this reaction sequence proceeded with retention of configuration, of three possible isomers (E, E, Z, E, and Z, Z) only the Z, Z form was obtained. On the basis of the X‐ray structure analysis and the NMR‐spectroscopic characterization of 6 supplemented by the NMR parameters of (E)‐ and (Z)‐4‐phenyl‐2‐phenylmethylidene‐1, 3‐dithiole, it was demonstrated that two characteristic ⁵J coupling constants of the proton at the exocyclic double bond indicate the configuration (Z or E) of disubstituted dithiafuvene derivatives.     

Disubstituted 1,6-methano[10]annulene derivatives for use in organic light-emitting diodes

Bis(carbazolylphenyl) and bis(diphenylaminophenyl) derivatives of 1,6-methano[10]annulene, which is luminescent material and contains seven-membered rings, are synthesized. The bis(phenylcarbazole) derivative 3 have high melting point and glass transition temperature. Electroluminescence characteristics of organic light-emitting diodes using these methano[10]annulenes were investigated.     

Synthesis and crystal structure of the dinuclear copper(II) Schiff base complex μ‐hydroxido‐μ‐chlorido‐bis{[bis(trans‐2‐nitrocinnamaldehyde)ethylenediamine]chloridocopper(II)} dichloromethane sesquisolvate

Transition metal complexes of Schiff base ligands have been shown to have particular application in catalysis and magnetism. The chemistry of copper complexes is of interest owing to their importance in biological and industrial processes. The reaction of copper(I) chloride with the bidentate Schiff base N,N′‐bis(trans‐2‐nitrocinnamaldehyde)ethylenediamine {Nca₂en, systematic name: (1E,1′E,2E,2′E)‐N,N′‐(ethane‐1,2‐diyl)bis[3‐(2‐nitrophenyl)prop‐2‐en‐1‐imine]} in a 1:1 molar ratio in dichloromethane without exclusion of air or moisture resulted in the formation of the title complex μ‐chlorido‐μ‐hydroxido‐bis(chlorido{(1E,1′E,2E,2′E)‐N,N′‐(ethane‐1,2‐diyl)bis[3‐(2‐nitrophenyl)prop‐2‐en‐1‐imine]‐κ²N,N′}copper(II)) dichloromethane sesquisolvate, [Cu₂Cl₃(OH)(C₂₀H₁₈N₄O₄)₂]·1.5CH₂Cl₂. The dinuclear complex has a folded four‐membered ring in an unsymmetrical Cu₂OCl₃ core in which the approximate trigonal bipyramidal coordination displays different angular distortions in the equatorial planes of the two Cu^II atoms; the chloride bridge is asymmetric, but the hydroxide bridge is symmetric. The chelate rings of the two Nca₂en ligands have different conformations, leading to a more marked bowing of one of the ligands compared with the other. This is the first reported dinuclear complex, and the first five‐coordinate complex, of the Nca₂en Schiff base ligand. Molecules of the dimer are associated in pairs by ring‐stacking interactions supported by C—H…Cl interactions with solvent molecules; a further ring‐stacking interaction exists between the two Schiff base ligands of each molecule.     

The Photoisomerization Behavior of the (4-Hydroxycinnamoyl)-spermidines

The photoisomerization behavior of three mono[(E)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)prop-2-enoyl]spermidines, 1, 2 , and 3 , and three bis[(E)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)prop-2-enoyl]spermidines, 4, 5 , and 6 , are investigated. The synthetic product (E)- 1 could be almost quantitatively (> 96%) converted into its isomer (Z)- 1 under UV light irradiation. In the cases of (E)- 2 and (E)- 3 , a mixture of (E)/(Z) ca. 1:2 was obtained, when the same conditions were applied. The comparison of their UV spectra provides the possible explanation for these different behaviors. Furthermore, it was noticed that the (Z) → (E) isomerization of the C?C bond took place during the purification by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC), and the (E)/(Z)-mixture is thus inseparable. The same feature could be observed during the isolation of the (Z,Z)-N,N′-bis[3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)prop-2-enoyl]-spermidines, (Z,Z)- 4 , (Z,Z)- 5 , and (Z,Z)- 6 . Nevertheless, the fractions of (Z,Z)- 5 and (Z,Z)- 6 were in almost pure state collected, and their ¹-NMR spectra are presented.     

Novel Intramolecular Cyclization of 2‐(Buta‐1,3‐dienyl)benzyl Anions to 6,7(9)‐Dihydro‐5H‐benzocycloheptenyl Anions Leading to Successive Formation of 1,2‐Dihydrocyclopropa[a]naphthalenes

When treated with LiNⁱPr₂ (LDA) at ?78°, 1‐[(methylsulfanyl)methyl]‐2‐[(1Z,3E)‐4‐phenylbuta‐1,3‐dien‐1‐yl]benzene easily cyclized to form benzocycloheptenyl anion, which successively underwent intramolecular nucleophilic substitution to give a cyclopropanaphthalene. Similar LDA‐mediated cyclization also occurred for 4‐phenyl‐ or 4‐methyl‐substituted 1‐[2‐(methoxymethyl)phenyl]buta‐1,3‐dienes to furnish the corresponding benzocycloheptenes and cyclopropanaphthalenes. A 4‐tert‐butyl analog also underwent LDA‐mediated cyclization to give a benzocycloheptene, but not a cyclopropanaphthalene.     

The First Stereoselective Total Synthesis of a Naturally Occurring Bioactive Diarylheptanoid, (3R,6E)‐1,7‐Bis(4‐hydroxyphenyl)hept‐6‐en‐3‐ol,through Two Different Approaches

The stereoselective total synthesis of a naturally occurring bioactive diarylheptanoid, (3R,6E)‐1,7‐bis(4‐hydroxyphenyl)hept‐6‐en‐3‐ol, has been accomplished starting from 4‐hydroxybenzaldehyde through two different approaches involving Wittig olefination, hydrolytic kinetic resolution of a racemic epoxide, and olefin cross‐metathesis reaction as the key steps.     

Stereoselective Synthesis of Isomers of the Naturally Occurring 13-Hydroxy-2,4,9-tetradecatrienoic Acid. Part II [1]

Summary. The stereoselective syntheses of four unsaturated hydroxy fatty acids 13S,2E,4E,9E)- 13-hydroxy-2,4,9-tetradecatrienoic acid, (13S,9Z,11E)-13-hydroxy-9,11-tetradecadienoic acid, (13S,9E, 11E)-13-hydroxy-9,11-tetradecadienoic acid, and (13S,2E,4E,9E)-13-hydroxy-2,4,9,11-tetradecatrienoic acid, are described. Wittig reactions, regioselective oxidation of dialcohol 3, and diastereomerization were used.     

Strain‐Promoted Double Azide Addition to Octadehydrodibenzo[12]annulene Derivatives

Octadehydrodibenzo[12]annulenes (DBAs), readily available by the oxidative acetylenic coupling of 1,2‐diethynylbenzene derivatives, were reacted with organic azides. As compared to the well‐known strain‐promoted azide‐alkyne cycloaddition (SpAAC) of 5,6,11,12‐tetradehydrodibenzo[a,e][8]annulene, the reactivity of the DBA alkynes was lower due to the lower strain energy. However, the regioselective double azide addition occurred without any side reactions under mild conditions, yielding bis‐triazole products. The structures of the products were confirmed by an X‐ray crystal structure analysis, and the reaction mechanism was studied by ¹H‐NMR spectroscopy and computational studies. It was also found that the DBAs were hardly fluorescent, while the bis‐triazole products showed a green fluorescence with quantum yields up to 5.1 %. Finally, the new strain‐promoted double azide addition to the DBAs was used for step‐growth polymerization, successfully producing a high molecular weight triazole polymer.     

Stereoselective Synthesis of Isomers of the Naturally Occurring 13-Hydroxy-2,4,9-tetradecatrienoic Acid. Part II [1]

The stereoselective syntheses of four unsaturated hydroxy fatty acids 13S,2E,4E,9E)- 13-hydroxy-2,4,9-tetradecatrienoic acid, (13S,9Z,11E)-13-hydroxy-9,11-tetradecadienoic acid, (13S,9E, 11E)-13-hydroxy-9,11-tetradecadienoic acid, and (13S,2E,4E,9E)-13-hydroxy-2,4,9,11-tetradecatrienoic acid, are described. Wittig reactions, regioselective oxidation of dialcohol 3, and diastereomerization were used.