Consequences of Curvature on Induced Magnetic Field: The Case of Helicenes

Helicenes consist of several fused rings twisted around an axis, forming a cylindrical helix, with π-delocalized electrons in the non-planar rings. Induced magnetic fields dissecting the orbital contributions of [6]-, [7]-, and [14]helicene are discussed. Computations show a deshielding cone produced by the π-electrons along the helical axis. Unexpectedly, the response of the core electrons produces a shielding cone, which is cumulative and sensitive to the curvature of the systems owing to the overlap of the other ring responses. A warning is provided regarding the evaluation of the delocalization in curved systems in which the x- and y-components of the induced magnetic field become relevant.     

Macrocyclic Tetraethynylethene Molecular Scaffolding: Perethynylated aromatic dodecadehydro[18]annulenes,antiaromatic octadehydro[12]annulenes,and expanded radialenes

Tetraethynylethene (3,4-diethynylhex-3-ene-1,5-diyne) molecular scaffolding provided access to novel macrocyclic nanometer-sized C-rich molecules with unusual structural and electronic properties. Starting from cis-bis-deprotected cis-bis(trialkylsilyl)protected tetraethynylethenes, the per(silylethynyl)ated octadehydro[12]annulenes 1 and 2 and the corresponding dodecadehydro[18]annulenes 4 and 5 were prepared by oxidative Hay coupling. X-Ray crystal-structure analyses of (i-Pr)₃Si-protected 2 and Me₃Si-protected 4 showed that both annulene perimeters are perfectly planar. Electronic absorption spectral comparisons provided strong evidence that the macro rings in the deep-purple-colored 1 and 2 are antiaromatic (4n π-electrons), whereas those in yellow 4 and 5 are aromatic ((4n + 2) π-electrons). Although unstable in solution, the antiaromatic compound 2 gave high-melting crystals in which the individual octadehydro[12]annulene chromophores are isolated and stabilized in a matrix-type environment formed by the bulky (i-Pr)₃Si groups. Electrochemical studies demonstrated that the antiaromatic octadehydro[12]annulene 2 undergoes two stepwise one-electron reductions more readily that the aromatic chromophore 5 . This redox behavior is best explained by the formation of an aromatic (4n + 2) π-electron dianion from 2 , whereas 5 loses its aromaticity upon reduction. The Me₃Si derivative 4 was deprotected with borax in MeOH/THF to give the highly unstable hexaethynyl-dodecadehydro[18]annulene 6 , a C₃₀H₆ isomer and macrocyclic precursor to a two-dimensional all-C-network. Deprotection of 2 did not give isolable amounts of tetraethynyl-octadehydro[12]annulene 3 due to the extreme instability of the latter. Starting from dimeric and trimeric acyclic tetraethynylethene oligomers, a series of expanded radialenes were obtained. They possess large C-cores with silylethynyl-protected peripheral valences and can be viewed as persilylated C₄₀ ( 7 ), C₅₀ ( 8 ), and C₆₀ ( 9 ) isomers. These expanded C-sheets are high-melting, highly stable, soluble materials which were readily characterized by laser-desorption time-of-flight (LD-TOF) mass spectrometry. Due to inefficient macrocyclic cross-conjugation and/or non-planarity, the extent of π-electron delocalization in 7 – 9 is limited to the longest linearly conjugated π-electron fragment. In agreement with these properties, all three expanded radialenes exhibited similar redox behavior; they are difficult to oxidize but undergo several reversible one-electron reductions in similar potential ranges. Presumably, the reduced π-electron delocalization is also at the origin of the particularly high stability of 7 – 9 .     

Solid-State 13C NMR Evidence for Long Multicenter Intradimer Bonding in Zwitterion-like Structures

The principal values of the ¹³C chemical shift tensor for the β and δ polymorphs of π-[TTF⋅⋅⋅TCNE] (TTF=tetrathiafulvalene; TCNE=tetracyanoethylene) have been analyzed to understand the abnormally long intra-dimer bonding of singlet π-[TTF^δ+⋅⋅⋅TCNE^δ−]. These structures possess 12 intradimer contacts <3.40 Å, with the shortest intra π-[TTF⋅⋅⋅TCNE] separations involving 2-center (2c) C−S and 3c C−C−C orbital overlap contributions between the [TTF]^δ+ and [TCNE]^δ−. This solid-state NMR study compares the [TTF⋅⋅⋅TCNE] ¹³C tensor data against previously reported π-[TTF]₂²⁺ and π-[TCNE]₂²⁻ homo-dimers to determine how the tensor principal values change as a function of electronic structure for both TTF and TCNE moieties. In the β and δ phases of [TTF⋅⋅⋅TCNE], the TCNE ethylenic ¹³C shift tensors predict TCNE oxidation states of −0.46 and −0.73, respectively. The TTF sites are less similar to benchmark ¹³C data with the β-phase differing primarily in the ethylenic π-electrons. The δ form differs significantly from the homo-dimer data at all principal values at both the ethylenic and CH sites, indicating changes to both the π-electrons and σ-bonds. In both hetero-dimer phases, the NMR changes supports long bond formation at nitrile and CH sites not observed in homo-dimers.     

Discreteness of π-conjugation of 1,6-methano[10]annulene by troponoid fusion at the 3,4-positions

The tropone-fused 1,6-methano[10]annulene 4 was synthesized from 3,4-bis(bromomethyl)-1,6-methano[10]annulene and the protonation of 4 provided the hydroxytropylium ion-fused annulene 5. ¹H NMR spectra of 4 and 5 exhibited an unequal shielding effect on the bridge hydrogens from the resulted π ring system, suggesting the existence of the significant homoconjugative transannular interaction on the nonadjacent carbons at the bridge and the discreteness of π-conjugation of the annulene between two bonds at the C7-C8 and C11-C12 to localize the C8-11 dienyl and the remaining parts. The X-ray crystallographic structures of 4 and 5 show relatively short atomic distance between those bridge carbons, and clear bond alternation of the dienyl part and the bond convergence of the remaining part in these compounds, supporting the spectral properties.     

2.2]paracyclophane/dehydroannulene hybrids: probing the aromaticity of the dehydro[14]annulene framework

The synthesis of [2.2]paracyclophane/dehydro[14]annulene hybrids 1 and 2 is reported. Comparison of the proton NMR spectra of 1 and 2 with their open precursors and with related model compounds reveals the pronounced effect of macrocycle formation upon the cyclophane protons H15/H16, which lie above the shielding cone of the diatropic [14]annulene moiety. [structure: see text]     

The Low-Temperature UV/VIS Absorption Spectrum of [14]Annulene

The UV/VIS absorption spectrum of [14]annulene was measured in 3-methylpentane at room and liquid-N₂ temperatures and interpreted by the CNDO/S-CI method. This comparison between experiment and theory supports a structure with π-bond delocalization for this molecule.     

Syntheses,Structures and Photoelectron Spectra of Phospha-Alkenes and Phospha-Alkynes and Their Transition Metal Complexes

Abstract

The chemistry of the novel phospha-alkenes RP[dbnd]CR'₂, and phospha-alkynes, RC[tbnd]P, containing 2pπ-3pπ bonds is of current interest.^1,2 Recent molecular orbital calculations,^3,4 suggest that the highest occupied molecular orbital in CH₂[dbnd]PH is of the π-type with the phosphorus lone pair ó-orbital only slightly more stable while the π? lumo orbital is relatively low lying. We now report He (I) photoelectron spectroscopic studies on a variety of RC[tbnd]P molecules^5,6 which indicate that the homo is also of the π-type and the π-σ separation is much greater than that found in the analogous RC[tbnd]N systems.     

Ab initio and DFT studies on 1-(thionitrosomethylene) hydrazine: conformers, energies, and intramolecular hydrogen-bond strength

In the current study, we present an intramolecular HB, molecular structure, π-electrons delocalization and vibrational frequencies analysis of 25 possible conformers of 1-(thionitrosomethylene) hydrazine by means of DFT (B3LYP), MP2 methods in conjunction with the 6-311++G** and augmented correlation-consistent polarized-valence triple-zeta basis sets and G2MP2 theoretical level. The influence of the solvent on the stability order of conformers and the strength of intramolecular hydrogen-bonding was considered using the Tomasi’s polarized continuum model. Statistical analyses of quantitative definitions of aromaticity, nucleus independent chemical shift, harmonic oscillator model of aromaticity, aromatic fluctuation index, and the π-electron delocalization parameter (Q) as a geometrical indicator of a local aromaticity, evaluated for this conformers. Further verification of the obtained transition state structures were implemented via intrinsic reaction coordinate (IRC) analysis. Calculations of the ¹H NMR chemical shift at GIAO/B3LYP/6-311++G** levels of theory are also presented. The calculated highest occupied molecular orbital (MO) and lowest unoccupied MO energies show that charge transfer occur within the molecule. Hydrogen-bond energies for H-bonded conformers were obtained from Espinosa method and the natural bond orbital theory and the atoms in molecules theory were also applied to get a more precise insight into the nature of such H-bond interactions.     

Bonding Character,Electron Delocalization,and Aromaticity of Cyclo[18]Carbon (C18) Precursors,C18-(CO)n (n=6, 4, and 2): Focusing on the Effect of Carbonyl (-CO) Groups**

The bonding character, electron delocalization, and aromaticity of the cyclo[18]carbon (C₁₈) precursors, C₁₈-(CO)_n (n=6, 4, and 2), have been studied by combining quantum chemical calculations and various electronic wavefunction analyses with different physical bases. It was found that C₁₈-(CO)_n (n=6, 4, and 2) molecules exhibit alternating long and short C−C bonds, and have out-of-plane and in-plane dual π systems (π^out and πⁱⁿ) perpendicular to each other, which are consistent with the relevant characteristics of C₁₈. However, the presence of carbonyl (-CO) groups significantly reduced the global electron conjugation of C₁₈-(CO)_n (n=6, 4, and 2) compared to C₁₈. Specifically, the -CO group largely breaks the extensive delocalization of πⁱⁿ system, and the π^out system is also affected by it but to a much lesser extent; as a consequence, C₁₈-(CO)_n (n=6, 4, and 2) with larger n shows weaker overall aromaticity. Mostly because of the decreased but still apparent π^out electron delocalization in the C₁₈-(CO)_n (n=6, 4, and 2), a notable diatropic induced ring current under the action of external magnetic field is observed, demonstrating the clear aromatic characteristic in the molecules. The correlation between C₁₈-(CO)_n (n=6, 4, and 2) and C₁₈ in terms of the gradual elimination of -CO from the precursors showed that the direct elimination of two CO molecules in C₁₈-(CO)_n (n=6, 4, and 2) has a synergistic mechanism, but it is kinetically infeasible under normal conditions due to the high energy barrier.     

Aromaticity of Rees-type hydrocarbons—a DFT computational study

The structure and aromatic properties of Rees hydrocarbons 7bH-cyclopent[cd]indene and its benzo-annelated derivative 1a and 2a, respectively, are examined by the B3LYP/6−31+G(d) calculations employing HOMA criterion of Krygowski and coworkers. It is shown that 1a possesses strong π-electron delocalization over the perimeter of the CC bonds, thus forming a quasi-[10]annulene pattern. Its aromatic character is determined to be 83%. In contrast, 2a is less convenient model system for [14]annulene. The reason behind is that the perimeter network of the potentially aromatic 14π-electrons is supplemented by two additional more local aromatic patterns involving 10π and 6π electrons. Consequently, the π-electron delocalization over the molecular rim is incomplete being thus diminished. The aromatic character of the peripheral bonds in both 1a ⁻ and 2a ⁻ anions formed upon deprotonation of the central C–H bond is decreased, since the role of the smaller rings in forming aromatic subsystems is increasing. Finally, polycyano substitution of 1a and 2a decreases aromaticity due to the price paid for the resonance effect taking place between the carbocyclic π-network and the double bonds of the CN groups. The resonance effect is particularly strong in anions derived by heterolytic cleavage of the C–H bond emanating from the central sp ³ carbon atom. Dedicated to Professor T. M. Krygowski for his outstanding scientific achievements on the occasion of his 70th birthday.     

Phane properties of [2.2]paracyclophane/dehydrobenzoannulene hybrids

A series of [2.2]paracyclophane/dehydrobenzo[14]annulene (PC/DBA) hybrids (hydrocarbons 5, 6, 9, 10 b, and 10 c), [2.2]paracyclophane/dehydro[14]annulene (PC/DA) hybrids (7 and 8) and suitable model systems (11, 12, and 33) has been synthesized. Comparison of the electronic absorption spectra in each series of compounds provides further insight into the global communication between the decks in the [2.2]paracyclophane unit.     

Proton chemical shifts in NMR: Part 17. Chemical shifts in alkenes and anisotropic and steric effects of the double bond

The ¹H NMR spectra of a number of alkenes of known geometry were recorded in CDCl₃ solution and assigned, namely ethylene, propene, 4-methylcyclohexene, 1,4-dimethylcyclohexene, methylene cyclohexane (in CFCl₃–CD₂Cl₂ at 153 K), 5-methylene-2-norbornene, camphene, bicyclopentadiene, styrene and 9-vinylanthracene. These results together with literature data for other alkenes, i.e. 1,3- and 1,4-cyclohexadiene, norbornene, norbornadiene, bicyclo[2.2.2]oct-2-ene and α- and β-pinene, and other data allowed the determination of the olefinic shielding in these molecules. The shielding was analysed in terms of the magnetic anisotropy and steric effects of the double bond together with a model (CHARGE7) for the calculation of the two- and three-bond electronic effects. For the aromatic alkenes ring current and π-electron effects were included. This analysis showed that the double bond shielding arises from both anisotropic and steric effects. The anisotropy is due to the perpendicular term only with a value of Δχ(CC) of −12.1 × 10⁻⁶cm³mol⁻¹. There is also a steric deshielding term of 82.5/r⁶ (r in Å). The shielding along the π-axis changes sign from shielding at long range (>2.5 Å) to deshielding at short range (<2 Å). The model gives the first comprehensive calculation of the shielding of the alkene group. For the data set considered (172 proton chemical shifts) ranging from δ=0.48 to 8.39, the r.m.s. error of observed vs calculated shifts was 0.11 ppm. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Preparation and characterization of 16-benzoylated tetraaza[14]annulenes

The condensation reaction between tetraaza[14]annulene ( 1 ) and a series of para-substituted benzoyl chlorides led to the 16-benzoylated corresponding products in 13–21% yields, but 1 was unreactive with alkyl acid chlorides and easily cleaved in macrocyclic framework. The mass spectra show the presence of molecular ion peaks which support the 16-benzoylated products. A strong ir band due to the C = N stretching mode of the macrocyclic moiety was observed at 1610 cm^?1 and shifted slightly toward higher energy upon benzoylation. An intense ir band which was associated with a C = 0 stretching mode was newly observed at 1640 cm¹. The very strong absorption band about 29000 cm^?1 was attributed to the π ? π* transition and gave a slight shift to higher frequency on benzoylation. All proton signals except for methyl protons exhibit downfield shifts due to the deshielding effect of the substituted benzene ring, but the methyl proton peaks show upfield shifts due to the shielding effect caused by the magnetic anisotropy of the substituted benzene ring. The ¹³C nmr result is also in accord with that of ¹H nmr.     

Subphthalocyanine-dehydro[18]annulenes

A subphthalocyanine trimer built around a dehydro[18]annulene core was prepared. The synthesis was achieved through direct homocoupling of an ortho-diethynyl-functionalized subphthalocyanine, obtained by palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling of the corresponding diiodo-subphthalocyanine with an ethynyl derivative. The lower analogue dehydro[12]annulene did not form in these homocoupling conditions. The trimers were fully characterized and their electrochemical properties investigated.     

Annulenoannulenes

Annulenoannulenes formally consist of two annulenes fused together. Hitherto, almost all the known representatives of this class of compounds were the strongly dehydrogenated forms, containing a few triple bonds and several cumulated double bonds. Besides ortho-annelated dehydroannulenoannulenes also such compounds containing bridges made up of two or four carbon atoms (“acetylene-cumulene” annulenoannulenes) were obtained by multistep syntheses. Most dehydroannulenoannulenes are stable and form colored crystals. In addition to dehydro[4n+2]annuleno[4n+2] annulenes with 14-, 18-, and 22-membered individual rings, two dehydro[4n]annuleno[4n+2]annulenes with 16- and 14-, and 16- and 18-membered rings have also been synthesized. Planar combinations of two [4n]-rings of this type and size are not known.—The dehydrogentated[14]annuleno[14]annulene containing a bridge of two carbon atoms has been studied in detail; however, the problem of the induction of a diamagnetic ring current in compounds of this type has still not been completely clarified.     

Die Bildungsenthalpie 1,6-überbrückter [10] Annulene

The enthalpies of formation of 1.6-methano-[10] annulene (IV) (ΔHf₂₉₈ (IV, g) = 75.2 ± 0.6 kcal mol^?1), 1.6-imino-[10] annulene (V) (ΔHf₂₉₈(V, g) = 87.8 ± 0.7 kcal mol^?1) and of 1.6-oxido-[10] annulene (VI) (ΔHf₂₉₈(VI, g) = 47.8 ± 1.2 kcal mol^?1) have been determined by combustion calorimetry. The difficulties connected with an attempt to derive meaningfull «resonance energies» are discussed.     

Duplicated ring enlargement of 4,9-methanothia[11]annulene to 6,11-methanothia[15]annulene

3,10-Dipyrrolidinyl-4,9-methanothia[11]annulene reacts with excess dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate (DMAD) in refluxing toluene to give ring-enlarged 6,11-methanothia[15]annulene. X-ray crystallographic analysis of the product shows two different cis,trans-dienyl parts in the ring system. Product formation possibly involves π-facial selective addition of the enamine with DMAD and torque-selective ring opening of the intermediate cyclobutenes.     

Electronic, spectroscopic, and ion-sensing properties of a dehydro[m]pyrido[14]- and [15]annulene isomer library

An isomeric series of dehydro[m]pyrido[n]annulenes incorporating strained 1,4-buta-1,3-diyne units have been synthesized, where m = 2, n = 14 (1a-d); m = 2, n = 15 (2a,b); and m = 3, n = 15 (3). The number of pyridine rings and annulene ring π-electrons are denoted by m and n, respectively. The X-ray crystal structures of 1b and 1c confirmed their cyclic formulation. All macrocycles were found to be luminescent chromophores with differing isomer-dependent proton and metal ion-sensory emission responses, which appear collectively as analyte-specific color patterns. Within the series studied, 1a was singular in displaying the highest luminescence quantum yield and sharing the strongest emission energy and molar absorption changes upon protonation and Hg(II) binding. Spectroscopic and electrochemical results were supported by density functional theory calculations in showing 1a, 2a, and 3 to be low bandgap materials with lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals delocalized over the 1,4-di(pyridin-4-yl)buta-1,3-diyne bridges that provide a pathway for electronic communication between the nitrogens. Overall, the investigations suggest that 1a, 2a, and 3 would be excellent ligands for the construction of novel conjugated hybrid metallosupramolecular nanostructures, polymers, and ion-sensory systems.     

Fulvalene-Embedded Perylene Diimide and Its Stable Radical Anion

The first example of a two-state (neutral and reduced), stable electron-accepting material and its radical anion is presented. FV-PDI, generated from cyclocarbonylation and then a carbonyl coupling reaction, shows a largely degenerate LUMO of −4.38 eV based on the delocalization of π-electrons across the whole molecular skeleton through a fulvalene bridge. The stability and electron affinity allow spontaneous electron transfer to afford a stable radical anion. Spectroscopic characterization and structural elucidation showed that the radical anion [FV-PDI]^.− has remarkable stability and near-infrared absorptions extending to 1200 nm. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses revealed significant changes in the molecular shape and packing arrangement of the formed radical anion. The central C−C bond linking the two PDI halves is lengthened from approximately 1.33 to 1.43 Å, and the alternating arrangement of positively and negatively charged units favor the stable charge-transfer complex.