Revisiting Indolo[3,2-b]carbazole: Synthesis,Structures, Properties,and Applications

Indolo[3,2-b]carbazole presents a π-skeleton with a remarkable electronic structure and interesting potential applications. It is, however, also associated with ambiguity and controversy. Herein, new derivatives of indolo[3,2-b]carbazole are reported and they have enabled a comprehensive study on the electronic structure of indolo[3,2-b]carbazole and the development of a new n-type organic semiconductor. Experimental and computational studies show that indolo[3,2-b]carbazole has a largely localized p-benzoquinonediimine moiety and significant antiaromaticity. When substituted with (4-silylethynyl)phenyl groups, the indolo[3,2-b]carbazole exhibits one-dimensional π–π stacking and functions as an n-type organic semiconductor in solution-processed field effect transistors.     

Benzo[e]pyrene skeleton dipyrylium dication with a strong donor-acceptor-donor interaction, and its two-electron reduced molecule

The donor-acceptor-donor (D-A-D) conjugated molecules 1,4-bis(diarylaminophenylethynyl)anthraquinone (1,4-Am(2)Aq) and 1,4-bis(ferrocenylethynyl)anthraquinone (1,4-Fc(2)Aq), undergo a double proton cyclization reaction with bis(trifluoromethanesulfone)imide acid (TFSIH) to yield 1,4-bis(diarylaminophenyl or ferrocenyl) dipyrylium salts [1,4-R(2)Pyl(2)](TFSI)(2) (R=Am or Fc) with novel planar pentacyclic structures similar to the aromatic benzo[e]pyrene-type skeleton. [1,4-Am(2)Pyl(2)](TFSI)(2) could be reduced to give the neutral molecule [1,4-Am(2)Pyl(2)](0), which is stable and maintains the benzo[e]pyrene-type skeleton. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first oxygen-atom-containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon with 22 (4n+2) π-electrons. The obtained condensed-ring benzo[e]pyrene-type skeleton compounds show physical and chemical properties that are significantly different from those of [1,5-Am(2)Pyl(2)](TFSI)(2), which has a perylene-type skeleton.     

Bis[1]benzothieno[1,4]thiazines: Planarity,Enhanced Redox Activity and Luminescence by Thieno-Expansion of Phenothiazine

Twofold Buchwald–Hartwig aminations selectively furnish three regioisomers of bis[1]benzothieno[1,4]thiazines; X-ray structure analyses and DFT calculations were corroborated for correlation of their electronic properties. All regioisomers outscore the parent compound phenothiazine with respect to a low-lying oxidation potential and reversible redox activity. The anti-anti bis[1]benzothieno[3,2-b:2′,3′-e][1,4]thiazines possess the lowest oxidation potentials in this series and displayed pronounced green luminescence in solution (Φ_F≈20 %) and in the solid state. Syn-anti regioisomers were only weakly luminescent in solution, but showed aggregation-induced emission enhancement and solid-state luminescence. Most interestingly, X-ray structure analyses revealed that anti-anti derivatives have an amazingly coplanar structure of the pentacyclic anellated 1,4-thiazine system, emphasizing a structural similarity to heteroacenes. The calculated theoretical nucleus-independent chemical shifts additionally suggested that these 8π-electron core systems can be considered as the first electronically unbiased anellated 1,4-thiazines with antiaromatic character.     

Revisiting Indolo[3,2‐b]carbazole: Synthesis,Structures, Properties,and Applications

Indolo[3,2‐b]carbazole presents a π‐skeleton with a remarkable electronic structure and interesting potential applications. It is, however, also associated with ambiguity and controversy. Herein, new derivatives of indolo[3,2‐b]carbazole are reported and they have enabled a comprehensive study on the electronic structure of indolo[3,2‐b]carbazole and the development of a new n‐type organic semiconductor. Experimental and computational studies show that indolo[3,2‐b]carbazole has a largely localized p‐benzoquinonediimine moiety and significant antiaromaticity. When substituted with (4‐silylethynyl)phenyl groups, the indolo[3,2‐b]carbazole exhibits one‐dimensional π–π stacking and functions as an n‐type organic semiconductor in solution‐processed field effect transistors.     

Thermal isomerizations of cis,anti,cis-tricyclo[6.4.0.0]dodec-3-ene to trans- and cis,endo-tricyclo[6.2.2.0]dodec-9-ene: diradical conformations and stereochemical outcomes in [1,3] carbon shifts

The gas-phase thermal isomerizations at 315 °C of cis,anti,cis-tricyclo[6.4.0.0^2,7]dodec-3-ene to trans-tricyclo[6.2.2.0^2,7]dodec-9-ene and to cis,endo-tricyclo[6.2.2.0^2,7]dodec-9-ene favor the former, the more geometrically strained product, by a ratio of 2.4:1. These products correspond to suprafacial inversion (si) and suprafacial retention (sr) stereochemical outcomes. The reaction stereochemistry shown by the 11-carbon homolog, cis,anti,cis-tricyclo[6.3.0.0^2,7]undec-3-ene, is strikingly different: the [1,3] carbon shift takes place to give only the ‘forbidden’ sr product. Two related bicyclic vinylcyclobutanes, 8-deuterio- and 8-exo-methylbicyclo[4.2.0]oct-2-enes, evidence contrasting reaction stereochemical predilections in [1,3] shifts, but the 12-carbon tricyclic system and the 8-exo-methyl bicyclic analog isomerize with the same si:sr ratio! These observations prompt fresh considerations of structural influences on conformational preferences available to the alkyl, allyl diradical reactive intermediates involved.     

PdII Complexes of [44]‐ and [46]Decaphyrins: The Largest Hückel Aromatic and Antiaromatic,and Möbius Aromatic Macrocycles

Reductive metalation of [44]decaphyrin with [Pd₂(dba)₃] provided a Hückel aromatic [46]decaphyrin Pd^II complex, which was readily oxidized upon treatment with DDQ to produce a Hückel antiaromatic [44]decaphyrin Pd^II complex. In CH₂Cl₂ solution the latter complex underwent slow tautomerization to a Möbius aromatic [44]decaphyrin Pd^II complex which exists as a mixture of conformers in dynamic equilibrium. To the best of our knowledge, these three Pd^II complexes represent the largest Hückel aromatic, Hückel antiaromatic, and Möbius aromatic complexes to date.     

Synthesis of (bis)Silicon Complexes of [38], [37], and [36]Octaphyrins: Aromaticity Switch and Stable Radical Cation

Silicon complexation of a [38]octaphyrin ( 1 ) was accomplished by reaction with an excess amount of MeSiCl₃ in the presence of N,N‐diisopropylethylamine, thus giving an aromatic [38]octaphyrin bis(silicon) complex 2 . This complex was interconvertible with an antiaromatic [36]octaphyrin congener ( 3 ) by oxidation with MnO₂ and reduction with NaBH₄. Curiously, mild oxidation of 2 with ferrocenium hexafluorophosphate afforded a [37]octaphyrin bis(silicon) complex 4 as an stable radical cation that can be stored under ambient conditions in the solid state. Owing to the two NNNCC‐five‐coordinated Si atoms bearing trigonal bipyramidal geometry, these octaphyrin bis(silicon) complexes take on similar and rigid figure‐of‐eight structures with different consecutive numbers of conjugated π‐electrons (38, 37, and 36), and are all stable.     

Fluorescent Imidazo[1,2-a]pyrimidine Compounds as Biocompatible Organic Photosensitizers that Generate Singlet Oxygen: A Potential Tool for Phototheranostics

Photodynamic therapy has been used to treat a variety of diseases, however, there is continuing search for new biocompatible photosensitizers. Herein, we demonstrate for the first time that imidazo[1,2-a]pyrimidine compounds are able to generate singlet oxygen species and can act as photosensitizers in the intracellular environment. Our results show that this class of compounds absorb and emit in the 400–500 nm region, present low cytotoxicity in the dark, are efficiently uptaken by cells, are fluorescent in intracellular medium, and generate singlet oxygen upon irradiation, killing cancer cells within 2 h at low concentration (2.0 μm ). The imidazo[1,2-a]pyrimidine compounds are a potential new tool for phototheranostics, because they can be simultaneously used for fluorescence imaging and photodynamic therapy.     

A Quintuple [6]Helicene with a Corannulene Core as a C5‐Symmetric Propeller‐Shaped π‐System

The synthesis and structural analysis of a quintuple [6]helicene with a corannulene core is reported. The compound was synthesized from corannulene in three steps including a five‐fold intramolecular direct arylation. X‐ray crystallographic analysis revealed a C₅‐symmetric propeller‐shaped structure and one‐dimensional alignment in the solid state. The enantiomers of the quintuple [6]helicene were successfully separated by HPLC, and the chirality of the two fractions was identified by CD spectroscopy. A kinetic study yielded a racemization barrier of 34.2 kcal mol^?1, which is slightly lower than that of pristine [6]helicene. DFT calculations indicate a rapid bowl‐to‐bowl inversion of the corannulene moiety and a step‐by‐step chiral inversion pathway for the five [6]helicene moieties.     

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.     

A Stable Antiaromatic 5,20‐Dibenzoyl [28]Hexaphyrin(1.1.1.1.1.1): Core AuIII Metalation and Subsequent Peripheral BIII Metalation

5,20‐Dibenzoyl [28]hexaphyrin(1.1.1.1.1.1) was synthesized as the first hexaphyrin bearing meso‐aroyl substituents. The meso‐dibenzoyl substituents are hydrogen‐bonded with the pyrrolic protons to stabilize an antiaromatic dumbbell conformer. Core metalation of this hexaphyrin with Au^III afforded rectangular and aromatic [26]hexaphyrin bis‐Au^III complexes, the major isomer of which was reduced with NaBH₄ to give its antiaromatic 28π bis‐Au^III complex. This complex allowed facile peripheral metalation with B^III owing to the peripheral benzoyl substituents.     

Synthesis,Crystal Structures,and Properties of 6,12‐Diaryl‐Substituted Indeno[1,2‐b]fluorenes

Fused polycyclic indeno[1,2‐b]fluorene derivatives with aryl substituents at the 6,12‐positions have been prepared as a potential antiaromatic 20π electronic system. They showed strong absorptions in the visible region and amphoteric redox properties. The quinoid‐type molecular structures were revealed by X‐ray crystal‐structure analysis, which indicated that the bond lengths of the quinoid unit depend on the aryl substituents. Whereas nucleus‐independent chemical shift NICS(1) calculations indicate the antiaromatic nature of the s‐indacene core, they have higher stability than substituted acene derivatives. The derivatives with difluorophenyl or anthryl groups were stable in solution. Vapor‐deposited thin films showed ambipolar carrier transportation in the field‐effect transistor devices.     

Visible-Light Cascade Photooxygenation of Tetrahydrocarbazoles and Cyclohepta[b]indoles: Access to C,N-Diacyliminium Ions

Tetrahydrocarbazoles and perhydrocyclohepta[b]indoles undergo a catalytic cascade singlet oxygenation in alkaline medium, which leads to chiral tricyclic perhydropyrido- and perhydroazepino[1,2-a]indoles in a single operation. These photooxygenation products are new synthetic equivalents of uncommon C,N-diacyliminium ions and can be functionalized with the aid of phosphoric acid organocatalysis.     

Preparation and crystal structure of a 1:1 inclusion compound of 1,4,11,14-tetramethoxy-dibenzo[b,n]tetraphenylene with pyridine

The new host 1,4,11,14-tetramethoxy-dibenzo[b,n]tetraphenylene forms a 1:1 inclusion compound with pyridine, in which a pair of centrosymmetrically-related guest species are enclosed in the cage surrounded by six host molecules. C₃₆H₂₈O₄·C₅H₅N, F_W=603.68, triclinic, space group P-1, a=11.796(2), b=16.075(3), c=9.004(2) Å; =98.39(3)°, β=90.01(3)°, γ=108.19(3)°, V=1602.8(5) Å³, Z=2, F(000)=636, D_c=1.251 g/cm³, μ=0.080 mm⁻¹. The final R indices [I>2σ(I)] R₁=0.0759, wR₂=0.1970 for 5623 MoK observed data.     

Indeno[1,2,3,4-pqra]Perylene: A Medium-Sized Aromatic Hydrocarbon Exhibiting Full-Range Visible-Light Absorption

We report the synthesis and properties of indeno[1,2,3,4-pqra]perylene, which was prepared by the fusion of one anthracene unit with one naphthalene unit via three carbon-carbon bonds. The synthetic route through two-fold C−H arylation enabled not only the synthesis of unsubstituted indenoperylene, but also rapid access to its arylated derivatives on the gram scale. Indenoperylene is a medium-sized aromatic hydrocarbon with the composition C₂₄H₁₂ that is isomeric to coronene. Nevertheless, its absorption covers the entire visible region owing to its small HOMO-LUMO gap. Furthermore, indenoperylene exhibits high stability despite the absence of peripheral substituents. We propose that the unique electronic structure of indenoperylene originates from the coexistence of an electron-withdrawing subunit (benzoaceanthrylene) and an electron-donating subunit (perylene). The electronic properties of indenoperylene were modulated via post-functionalization through regioselective bromination. The current research demonstrates that indenoperylene is a promising candidate as a main skeleton for near-infrared-responsive and redox-active materials.