2,3,17,18‐Tetrahalohexaphyrins and the First Phlorin‐type Hexaphyrins

1‐(Triisopropylsilyl)‐3,4‐dichloropyrrole and 1‐(triisopropylsilyl)‐3,4‐difluoropyrrole were conveniently prepared from the corresponding 3,4‐dibromopyrrole by lithiation followed by halogenation. 2,3,17,18‐Tetrahalogeno [26]‐ and [28]hexaphyrins have been prepared by condensation of 3,4‐dihalopyrroles and a dipyrromethane‐dicarbinol. 2,3,17,18‐Tetrahalogenated hexaphyrins display variable structural and electronic properties depending upon the halogen atom and the number of π‐electrons. Tetrabromo[28]hexaphyrin and tetrachloro[28]hexaphyrin were further reduced with excess NaBH₄ to furnish meso‐reduced hexaphyrins as the first example of phlorin‐type meso‐aryl‐substituted hexaphyrins.     

Viability of möbius topologies in [26]- and [28]hexaphyrins

Recently, hexaphyrins have emerged as a promising class of π-conjugated molecules that display a range of interesting electronic, optical, and conformational properties, including the formation of stable M?bius aromatic systems. Besides the M?bius topology, hexaphyrins can adopt a variety of conformations with Hückel and twisted Hückel topologies, which can be interconverted under certain conditions. To determine the optimum conditions for viable M?bius topologies, the conformational preferences of [26]- and [28]hexaphyrins and the dynamic interconversion between the M?bius and Hückel topologies were investigated by density functional calculations. In the absence of meso?substituents, [26]hexaphyrin prefers a planar dumbbell conformation, strongly aromatic and relatively strain free. The M?bius topology is highly improbable: the most stable tautomer is 33?kcal?mol(-1) higher in energy than the global minimum. On the other hand, the M?bius conformer of [28]hexaphyrin is only 6.5?kcal?mol(-1) higher in energy than the most stable dumbbell conformation. This marked difference is due to aromatic stabilization in the M?bius 4n electron macrocycle as opposed to antiaromatic destabilization in the 4n+2 electron system, as revealed by several energetic, magnetic, structural, and reactivity indices of aromaticity. For [28]hexaphyrins, the computed activation barrier for interconversion between the M?bius aromatic and Hückel antiaromatic conformers ranges from 7.2 to 10.2?kcal?mol(-1) , in very good agreement with the available experimental data. The conformation of the hexaphyrin macrocycle is strongly dependent on oxidation state and solvent, and this feature creates a promising platform for the development of molecular switches.     

Unambiguous identification of Möbius aromaticity for meso-aryl-substituted [28]hexaphyrins(1.1.1.1.1.1)

meso-Aryl-substituted [28]hexaphyrins(1.1.1.1.1.1) have been examined by (1)H, (13)C, and (19)F NMR spectroscopies, UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, magnetic circular dichroism spectroscopy, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. All of these data consistently indicate that [28]hexaphyrins(1.1.1.1.1.1) in solution at 25 degrees C exist largely as an equilibrium among several rapidly interconverting twisted M?bius conformations with distinct aromaticities, with a small contribution from a planar rectangular conformation with antiaromatic character at slightly higher energy. In the solid state, [28]hexaphyrins(1.1.1.1.1.1) take either planar or M?bius-twisted conformations, depending upon the meso-aryl substituents and crystallization conditions, indicating a small energy difference between the two conformers. Importantly, when the temperature is decreased to -100 degrees C in THF, these rapid interconversions among M?bius conformations are frozen, allowing the detection of a single [28]hexaphyrin(1.1.1.1.1.1) species having a M?bius conformation. Detailed analyses of the solid-state M?bius structures of compounds 2b, 2c, and 2f showed that singly twisted structures are achieved without serious strain and that cyclic pi-conjugation is well-preserved, as needed for exhibiting strong diatropic ring currents. Actually, the harmonic-oscillator model for aromaticity (HOMA) values of these structures are significantly large (0.85, 0.69, and 0.71, respectively), confirming the first demonstration of stable M?bius aromatic systems consisting of free-base expanded porphyrins without the assistance of metal coordination.     

Comparative photophysics of [26]- and [28]hexaphyrins(1.1.1.1.1.1): large two-photon absorption cross section of aromatic [26]hexaphyrins(1.1.1.1.1.1)

We have explored the electronic natures of representative expanded porphyrins, [26]- and [28]hexaphyrins, to investigate the interplay between the aromaticity and antiaromaticity that is brought by two electron oxidation/reduction processes. The excited singlet and triplet states of [26]hexaphyrin in solution exhibit lifetimes of 125 ps and 1.8 mus, respectively, as revealed by various time-resolved spectroscopic measurements. On the other hand, [28]hexaphyrin shows faster singlet and triplet lifetimes than those of [26]hexaphyrin, which is largely in accordance with the perturbation of aromaticity due to the pi electron formulation of [4n] in [28]hexaphyrins. The two-photon absorption cross-section values at 1200 nm for [26]hexaphyrins show ca. 9890 GM which is >10(2) larger than those of porphyrins. The reduced TPA values of 2600 and 810 GM of [28]hexaphyrin and perfluorinated [28]hexaphyrin, respectively, match well with their relatively short excited-state lifetimes. Overall, the enhanced excited-state lifetimes for various hexaphyrins go in line with the increased TPA cross-section values and the ring planarity.     

Viability of Möbius Topologies in [26]‐ and [28]Hexaphyrins

Recently, hexaphyrins have emerged as a promising class of π‐conjugated molecules that display a range of interesting electronic, optical, and conformational properties, including the formation of stable Möbius aromatic systems. Besides the Möbius topology, hexaphyrins can adopt a variety of conformations with Hückel and twisted Hückel topologies, which can be interconverted under certain conditions. To determine the optimum conditions for viable Möbius topologies, the conformational preferences of [26]‐ and [28]hexaphyrins and the dynamic interconversion between the Möbius and Hückel topologies were investigated by density functional calculations. In the absence of meso substituents, [26]hexaphyrin prefers a planar dumbbell conformation, strongly aromatic and relatively strain free. The Möbius topology is highly improbable: the most stable tautomer is 33 kcal mol^?1 higher in energy than the global minimum. On the other hand, the Möbius conformer of [28]hexaphyrin is only 6.5 kcal mol^?1 higher in energy than the most stable dumbbell conformation. This marked difference is due to aromatic stabilization in the Möbius 4n electron macrocycle as opposed to antiaromatic destabilization in the 4n+2 electron system, as revealed by several energetic, magnetic, structural, and reactivity indices of aromaticity. For [28]hexaphyrins, the computed activation barrier for interconversion between the Möbius aromatic and Hückel antiaromatic conformers ranges from 7.2 to 10.2 kcal mol^?1, in very good agreement with the available experimental data. The conformation of the hexaphyrin macrocycle is strongly dependent on oxidation state and solvent, and this feature creates a promising platform for the development of molecular switches.     

Excited‐State Aromaticity of Gold(III) Hexaphyrins and Metalation Effect Investigated by Time‐Resolved Electronic and Vibrational Spectroscopy

Expanded porphyrins with appropriate metalation provide an excellent opportunity to study excited‐state aromaticity. The coordinated metal allows the excited‐state aromaticity in the triplet state to be detected through the heavy‐atom effect, but other metalation effects on the excited‐state aromaticity were ambiguous. Herein, the excited‐state aromaticity of gold(III) hexaphyrins through the relaxation dynamics was revealed via electronic and vibrational spectroscopy. The S_Q states of gold [26]‐ and [28]‐hexaphyrins showed interconvertible absorption and IR spectra with those of counterparts in the ground‐state, indicating aromaticity reversal. Furthermore, while the T₁ states of gold [28]‐hexaphyrins also exhibited reversed aromaticity according to Baird's rule, the ligand‐to‐metal charge‐transfer state of gold [26]‐hexaphyrins contributed by the gold metal showed non‐aromatic features arising from the odd‐number of π‐electrons.     

Reversible caterpillar-motion like isomerization in a N,N'-dimethyl hexaphyrin(1.1.1.1.1.1) induced by two-electron oxidation or reduction

Caterpillar-motion like rotational isomerization of meso-aryl substituted [26]- and [28]hexaphyrins has been revealed for the first time. Two-electron oxidation and reduction induce reversible interconversion between N,N'-dimethyl [26]- and [28]hexaphyrins with a rotational isomerization, in which the N-methylated pyrroles move from the corner in the former to the centre in the latter.     

Theoretical study on conformation and electronic state of Hückel-aromatic multiply N-confused [26]hexaphyrins

Conformations and electronic states of Hückel-aromatic regular, singly, doubly, and triply N-confused [26]hexaphyrins were investigated using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. A comparison of the molecular energies of 754 structures in all revealed that the most stable conformers depend on the degree of confusion, where ring strain and intramolecular hydrogen bonding would play a critical role. Consequently, regular and singly N-confused hexaphyrins prefer a dumbbell conformation, doubly N-confused hexaphyrin prefers a rectangular conformation, and triply N-confused hexaphyrin prefers a triangular conformation. Introduction of N-confused pyrrole rings into the hexaphyrin framework causes narrower HOMO-LUMO energy gaps, while it does not affect the NICS values or aromaticity significantly. The steric repulsion imposed by meso-aryl substituents largely affects the relative energies among the conformers.     

Metalated Hexaphyrins: From Understanding to Rational Design

The heretofore unpredictable behavior of [26] and [28]hexaphyrins upon metalation has been elucidated through quantum chemical calculations. It is demonstrated that the molecular topology of Group 10 and Group 11 metal complexes of hexaphyrins depends on sensitive interplay between the intrinsic ligand strain and the metal–ligand interaction strength. As such, the aromaticity of the ligand and effective charge of the metal are revealed as key factors determining the binding mode and the preference for Möbius or Hückel structures. These findings offer a new perspective to rationalize experimental observations for metalated hexaphyrins. More importantly, the proposed guidelines could be useful for designing novel complexes of hexaphyrins, such as a hitherto unknown Möbius [26]hexaphyrin complex.     

Confusion of Möbius aromaticity: disruption of annulenic pathway in singly N-confused [28]hexaphyrin and its mono-Pd(II) complex

Singly N-confused [26] and [28]hexaphyrins (4, 5) with planar and twisted structures, respectively, were prepared via the acid catalyzed [3 + 3] condensation of N-confused and regular tripyrrane precursors. Hückel aromaticity is observed for [26]hexaphyrin, while the [28]hexaphyrin and its mono-Pd(II) complex exhibit "nonaromaticity" in spite of their M?bius-type structures, judging from the spectroscopic features and theoretical calculations.     

Aromatic and Antiaromatic Cyclophane‐type Hexaphyrin Dimers

A peripherally strapped [28]hexaphyrin takes a rectangular conformation and exhibits antiaromatic character. A cyclophane‐type dimer consisting of such [28]hexaphyrins was synthesized from hexakis(pentafluorophenyl) [26]hexaphyrin via S_NAr reaction with allyl alcohol, one‐pot intra‐ and intermolecular olefin metathesis under improved Hoveyda–Grubbs catalysis, and final reduction with NaBH₄. The cyclophane‐type structures of [26]‐ and [28]hexaphyrin dimers have been revealed by X‐ray analysis. Studies on the structural, optical, and electronic properties have led to a conclusion that there is no favorable electronic interaction between the two [28]hexaphyrin segments and thus no indication of 3D aromaticity.     

Diprotonated [28]Hexaphyrins(1.1.1.1.1.1): Triangular Antiaromatic Macrocycles

Protonation of meso‐aryl [28]hexaphyrins(1.1.1.1.1.1) triggered conformational changes. Whereas protonation with trifluoroacetic acid led to the formation of monoprotonated Möbius aromatic species, protonation with methanesulfonic acid led to the formation of diprotonated triangular antiaromatic species. A peripherally hexaphenylated [28]hexaphyrin was rationally designed and prepared to undergo diprotonation to favorably afford a triangular‐shaped antiaromatic species.     

Lemniscular hexaphyrins as examples of aromatic and antiaromatic double-twist Möbius molecules

Two reported [26] and [28]hexaphyrins are analyzed via measured and computed geometries and NMR-shieldings as examples of respectively 4n + 2 pi-electron aromatic and 4n pi-electron antiaromatic double-twist M?bius ring systems, adopting a lemniscular/figure-eight topology with linking number LK = 2pi. Values of local twist (TW) and nonlocal writhe (WR) derived from the relation Lk = Tw + WR appear relatively insensitive to the aromatic/antiaromatic character. The [26]hexaphyrin may adopt differing solution and solid-state conformations.     

A Description of Vibrational Modes in Hexaphyrins: Understanding the Aromaticity Reversal in the Lowest Triplet State

Aromaticity reversal in the lowest triplet state, or Baird's rule, has been postulated for the past few decades. Despite numerous theoretical works on aromaticity reversal, experimental study is still at a rudimentary stage. Herein, we investigate the aromaticity reversal in the lowest excited triplet state using a comparable set of [26]‐ and [28]hexaphyrins by femtosecond time‐resolved infrared (IR) spectroscopy. Compared to the relatively simple IR spectra of [26]bis(rhodium) hexaphyrin ( R26H ), those of [28]bis(rhodium) hexaphyrin ( R28H ) show complex IR spectra the region for the stretching modes of conjugated rings. Whereas time‐resolved IR spectra of R26H in the excited triplet state are dominated by excited state IR absorption peaks, while those of R28H largely show ground state IR bleaching peaks, reflecting the aromaticity reversal in the lowest triplet state. These contrasting IR spectral features serve as new experimental aromaticity indices for Baird's rule.     

5,20-Bis(α-oligothienyl)-substituted [26]hexaphyrins possessing electronic circuits strongly perturbed by meso-oligothienyl substituents

A series of [26]hexaphyrins(1.1.1.1.1.1) bearing two α-oligothienyl substituents at 5,20-positions have been synthesised and are shown to have a dumbbell hexaphyrin conformation, to which the α-oligothienyl groups are linked with small dihedral angles to form an acyclic helix-like conjugated network. While their distinct diatropic ring currents and four reversible reduction waves characteristic of aromatic [26]hexaphyrins indicate that the [26]hexaphyrin aromatic circuits are viable, the absorption spectra and excited state dynamics are significantly perturbed, which becomes increasingly evident with elongation of the oligothienyl substituents. DFT calculations of these hexaphyrins indicated that the LUMO and LUMO + 1 are localised on the hexaphyrin circuit and the HOMO and HOMO – 1 are spread over the acyclic helix-like conjugation network, which can explain the perturbed absorption spectra.     

Excited-State Aromaticity of Gold(III) Hexaphyrins and Metalation Effect Investigated by Time-Resolved Electronic and Vibrational Spectroscopy

Expanded porphyrins with appropriate metalation provide an excellent opportunity to study excited-state aromaticity. The coordinated metal allows the excited-state aromaticity in the triplet state to be detected through the heavy-atom effect, but other metalation effects on the excited-state aromaticity were ambiguous. Herein, the excited-state aromaticity of gold(III) hexaphyrins through the relaxation dynamics was revealed via electronic and vibrational spectroscopy. The S_Q states of gold [26]- and [28]-hexaphyrins showed interconvertible absorption and IR spectra with those of counterparts in the ground-state, indicating aromaticity reversal. Furthermore, while the T₁ states of gold [28]-hexaphyrins also exhibited reversed aromaticity according to Baird's rule, the ligand-to-metal charge-transfer state of gold [26]-hexaphyrins contributed by the gold metal showed non-aromatic features arising from the odd-number of π-electrons.     

meso-Trifluoromethyl-substituted expanded porphyrins

A series of meso-trifluoromethyl-substituted expanded porphyrins, including N-fused [24]pentaphyrin 3, [28]hexaphyrin 4, [32]heptaphyrin 5, [46]decaphyrin 6, and [56]dodecaphyrin 7, were synthesized by means of an acid-catalyzed one-pot condensation reaction of 2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-hydroxyethyl)pyrrole (1) as the first examples bearing meso-alkyl substituents. Besides these products, porphyrin 2 and two calix[5]phyrins 8 and 9 were also obtained. [28]Hexaphyrin 4 was quantitatively oxidized to [26]hexaphyrin 14 with MnO(2). These expanded porphyrins have been characterized by mass spectrometry, (1)H and (19)F NMR spectroscopy, and UV/Vis spectroscopy. The single-crystal structures have been determined for 3, 4, 6, 7, and 14. The N-fused [24]pentaphyrin 3 displays a distorted structure containing a tricyclic fused moiety that is similar to those of meso-aryl-substituted counterparts, whereas 8 and 9 are indicated to take roughly planar conformations with an inverted pyrrole opposite to the sp(3)-hybridized meso-carbon atom. Both [28]- and [26]hexaphyrins 4 and 14 have figure-of-eight structures. Solid-state structures of the decaphyrin 6 and dodecaphyrin 7 are remarkable, exhibiting a crescent conformation and an intramolecular two-pitch helical conformation, respectively.     

π‐Ruthenium Complexes of Hexaphyrins(1.1.1.1.1.1): A Triple‐Decker Complex Bearing Two Ruthenoarene Units

Ruthenium(II) π‐coordination onto [28]hexaphyrins(1.1.1.1.1.1) has been accomplished. Reactions of bis‐Au^III and mono‐Au^III complexes of hexakis(pentafluorophenyl) [28]hexaphyrin with [RuCl₂(p‐cymene)]₂ in the presence of NaOAc gave the corresponding π‐ruthenium complexes, in which the [(p‐cymene)Ru]^II fragment sat on the deprotonated side pyrrole. A similar reaction of the bis‐Pd^II [26]hexaphyrin complex afforded a triple‐decker complex, in which the two [(p‐cymene)Ru]^II fragments sat on both sides of the center of the [26]hexaphyrin framework.     

A Möbius Aromatic [28]Hexaphyrin Bearing a Diethylamine Group: A Rigid but Smooth Conjugation Circuit

The reaction of [26]hexaphyrin with triethylamine in the presence of BF₃?OEt₂ and O₂ furnished a diastereomeric mixture of a diethylamine‐bearing [28]hexaphyrin as a rare example of a Möbius aromatic metal‐free expanded porphyrin. The Möbius aromaticity of these molecules is large, as indicated by their large diatropic ring currents, which are even preserved at 100 °C, owing to their internally multiply bridged robust structure with a smooth conjugation network. These molecules were reduced with NaBH₄ to give an antiaromatic [28]hexaphyrin, and were oxidized with MnO₂ to give aromatic [26]hexaphyrins, both through a Möbius‐to‐Hückel topology switch induced by a C? N bond cleavage.     

Improved synthesis of meso-aryl-substituted [26]hexaphyrins

[reaction: see text] Acid-catalyzed reactions of 5-(2',3',4',5',6'-pentafluorophenyl)dipyrromethane with aryl aldehydes and of 5-(aryl)dipyrromethanes with 2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzaldehyde allowed the preparation of a variety of meso-aryl [26]hexaphyrins.