Synthesis and Spectroscopic Properties of Fused‐Ring‐Expanded Aza‐Boradiazaindacenes

A series of fused‐ring‐expanded aza‐boradiazaindacene (aza‐BODIPY) dyes have been synthesized by reacting arylmagnesium bromides with phthalonitriles or naphthalenedicarbonitriles. An analysis of the structure–property relationships has been carried out based on X‐ray crystallography, optical spectroscopy, and theoretical calculations. Benzo and 1,2‐naphtho‐fused 3,5‐diaryl aza‐BODIPY dyes display markedly red shifted absorption and emission bands in the near‐IR region (>700 nm) due to changes in the energies of the frontier MOs relative to those of 1,3,5,7‐tetraaryl aza‐BODIPYs. Only one 1,2‐naphtho‐fused aza‐BODIPY of the three possible isomers is formed due to steric effects, and 2,3‐naphtho‐fused compounds could not be characterized because the final BF₂ complexes are unstable in solution. The incorporation of a  N(CH₃)₂ group at the para‐positions of a benzo‐fused 3,5‐diaryl aza‐BODIPY quenches the fluorescence in polar solvents and results in a ratiometric pH response, which could be used in future practical applications as an NIR “turn‐on” fluorescence sensor.     

Synthesis,Optical Properties,and Electronic Structures of Fully Core‐Modified Porphyrin Dications and Isophlorins

The synthesis, structures, optical properties, and electronic structures of the tetraphenyltetrathiaporphyrin dication (S₄TPP²⁺, 6 ) and tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)tetrathiaisophlorin (S₄F₂₀TPP, 7 ) are reported. S₄TPP²⁺ ( 6 ) and S₄F₂₀TPP ( 7 ) were synthesized by acid‐catalyzed condensation of the corresponding hydroxylmethylthiophene, followed by oxidation. The electronic structures of S₄TPP²⁺ ( 6 ) and S₄F₂₀TPP ( 7 ) were analyzed by using UV/Vis‐absorption spectroscopy and by magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) spectroscopy and the bands were assigned by using time‐dependent density functional theory (TD‐DFT) and ZINDO/s calculations. A red‐shift of the Q bands of S₄TPP²⁺ ( 6 ) is observed relative to the spectra of tetraphenylporphyrins because a destabilization of the HOMO leads to a narrower HOMO–LUMO band‐gap. Michl′s perimeter model was used to assign the absorption bands and MCD spectra of S₄F₂₀TPP ( 7 ). Current‐density maps and nucleus‐independent chemical‐shift (NICS) calculations of S₄TPP²⁺ ( 6 ) and of a model compound predict marked modification to the diamagnetic ring current, whilst nonaromatic character is predicted for S₄F₂₀TPP ( 7 ).     

Hückel and Möbius Expanded para‐Benziporphyrins: Synthesis and Aromaticity Switching

The four expanded p‐benziporphyrins A,C‐di‐p‐benzi[24]pentaphyrin(1.1.1.1.1), N‐fused A‐p‐benzi[24]pentaphyrin, A,D ‐di‐p‐benzi[28]hexaphyrin(1.1.1.1.1.1), and A,C‐di‐p‐benzi[28]hexaphyrin(1.1.1.1.1.1) were obtained in three‐component Lindsey‐type macrocyclizations. These compounds were explored as macrocyclic ligands and as potential aromaticity switches. A BODIPY‐like difluoroboron complex was obtained from the A,C‐di‐p‐benzi[24]pentaphyrin, whereas A,C‐di‐p‐benzi[28]hexaphyrin yielded a Möbius‐aromatic Pd^II complex containing fused pyrrole and phenylene subunits. Conformational behavior, tautomerism, and acid‐base chemistry of the new macrocycles were characterized by means of NMR spectroscopy and DFT calculations. Free base N‐fused A‐p‐benzi[24]pentaphyrin showed temperature‐dependent Hückel–Möbius aromaticity switching, whereas the A,C‐di‐p‐benzi[28]hexaphyrin formed a Möbius‐aromatic dication.     

Ruthenocene‐Type Complexes of N‐Fused Porphyrins

Ruthenocene‐type hybrid complexes with N‐fused porphyrinato ligands, [Ru(NFp)Cp] (NFp=N‐fused porphyrin, Cp=cyclopentadienyl), have been prepared and characterized by NMR and UV/Vis/NIR spectroscopy, cyclovoltammetry, and X‐ray crystallography. [Ru(NFp)Cp] is a common low‐spin ruthenium(II) complex and shows strong aromaticity. The Ru–Cp distance (1.833 Å) in [Ru(NFp)Cp] is comparable to that in [RuCp₂] (1.840 Å). DFT calculations on [Ru(NFp)Cp] showed the unequivocal contribution of the RuCp moiety as well as the NFp moiety to both the HOMO and LUMO, constructing a three‐dimensional d–π conjugated system. The HOMO–LUMO gaps of [Ru(NFp)Cp] are insensitive to the substituents on the NFp ligand, which is illustrated spectroscopically as well as theoretically. This is in sharp contrast to the ligand precursor, the N‐fused porphyrin, in which the HOMO–LUMO gap is affected by substituents in a similar manner to standard porphyrins and related macrocycles.     

Nickel(II) meso‐Hydroxyporphyrin Complexes Revisited: Palladium‐Catalysed Synthesis,Electronic Structures of Derived Oxy Radicals,and Oxidative Coupling to a Dioxoporphodimethene Dyad

We report the synthesis and characterisation of new examples of meso‐hydroxynickel(II) porphyrins with 5,15‐diphenyl and 10‐phenyl‐5,15‐diphenyl/diaryl substitution. The OH group was introduced by using carbonate or hydroxide as nucleophile by using palladium/phosphine catalysis. The NiPor?OHs exist in solution in equilibrium with the corresponding oxy radicals NiPor?O^.. The 15‐phenyl group stabilises the radicals, so that the ¹H NMR spectra of {NiPor?OH} are extremely broad due to chemical exchange with the paramagnetic species. The radical concentration for the diphenylporphyrin analogue is only 1 %, and its NMR line‐broadening was able to be studied by variable‐temperature NMR spectroscopy. The EPR signals of NiPor?O^. are consistent with somewhat delocalised porphyrinyloxy radicals, and the spin distributions calculated by using density functional theory match the EPR and NMR spectroscopic observations. Nickel(II) meso‐hydroxy‐10,20‐diphenylporphyrin was oxidatively coupled to a dioxo‐terminated porphodimethene dyad, the strongly red‐shifted electronic spectrum of which was successfully modelled by using time‐dependent DFT calculations.     

Synthesis,Structures, and Optical and Electrochemical Properties of Benzoporphycenes

The first facile syntheses of free‐base di‐ and tetrabenzoporphycenes and their metal complexes are reported, based on retro‐Diels–Alder reactions of the corresponding bicyclo[2.2.2]octadiene‐fused porphycenes, prepared by McMurray coupling of α,α′‐diformyldipyrrole. The photophysical and electrochemical properties are analyzed based on UV/Vis absorption, magnetic circular dichroism (MCD), and fluorescence emission, lifetime and quantum yield measurements, cyclic and differential pulse voltammetry (CV and DPV) and time‐dependent DFT calculations based on B3LYP geometry optimizations. Benzoporphycenes are found to be prime candidates for future use in photodynamic therapy.     

A Core‐Expanded Subphthalocyanine Analogue with a Significantly Distorted Conjugated Surface and Unprecedented Properties

The introduction of a seven‐membered‐ring unit in the place of a five‐membered‐ring unit in the structure of subphthalocyanine resulted in significant distortion of the bowl‐shaped structure of the conjugated molecule as well as the following unprecedented properties: the preferential formation of the axially fluoro substituted species, the fluttering‐dynamic‐motion‐induced rapid exchange of P and M enantiomers, markedly split Q‐band absorption, and a clear difference in the ring‐current effects arising from the convex and concave surfaces.     

Conformational Isomerism in Monomeric,Low‐Coordinate Group 12 Complexes Stabilized by a Naphthyl‐Substituted m‐Terphenyl Ligand

The synthesis and characterization of the first series of low‐coordinate bis(terphenyl) complexes of the Group 12 metals, [Zn(2,6‐Naph₂C₆H₃)₂] ( 1 ), [Cd(OEt₂)(2,6‐Naph₂C₆H₃)₂] ( 2 ) and [Hg(OEt₂)(2,6‐Naph₂C₆H₃)₂] ( 3 ) (Naph=1‐C₁₀H₇) are described. The naphthyl substituents of the terphenyl ligands confer considerable steric bulk, and as a result of limited flexibility introduce multiple conformations to these unusual systems. In the solid state, complex 1 features a two‐coordinate Zn centre with the ligands oriented in a syn/anti conformation, whereas the three‐coordinate distorted T‐shaped complexes 2 and 3 feature the ligands in the syn/syn configurations. The results of DFT calculations are in good agreement with the solid‐state configurations for these complexes and support the spectroscopic measurements, which indicate several conformers in solution.     

Highly Strained Heterometallacycles of Group 4 Metallocenes with Bis(diphenylphosphino)methanide Ligands

A study of the coordination chemistry of different bis(diphenylphosphino)methanide ligands [Ph₂PC(X)PPh₂] (X=H, SiMe₃) with Group 4 metallocenes is presented. The paramagnetic complexes [Cp₂Ti{κ²‐P,P‐Ph₂PC(X)PPh₂}] (X=H ( 3 a ), X=SiMe₃ ( 3 b )) have been prepared by the reactions of [(Cp₂TiCl)₂] with [Li{C(X)PPh₂}₂(thf)₃]. Complex 3 b could also be synthesized by reaction of the known titanocene alkyne complex [Cp₂Ti(η²‐Me₃SiC₂SiMe₃)] with Ph₂PC(H)(SiMe₃)PPh₂ ( 2 b ). The heterometallacyclic complex [Cp₂Zr(H){κ²‐P,P‐Ph₂PC(H)PPh₂}] ( 4 aH ) has been prepared by reaction of the Schwartz reagent with [Li{C(H)PPh₂}₂(thf)₃]. Reactions of [Cp₂HfCl₂] with [Li{C(X)PPh₂}₂(thf)₃] gave the highly strained corresponding metallacycles [Cp₂M(Cl){κ²‐P,P‐Ph₂PC(X)PPh₂}] ( 5 aCl and 5 bCl ) in very good yields. Complexes 3 a , 4 aH , and 5 aCl have been characterized by X‐ray crystallography. Complex 3 a has also been characterized by EPR spectroscopy. The structure and bonding of the complexes has been investigated by DFT analysis. Reactions of complexes 4 aH , 5 aCl , and 5 bCl did not give the corresponding more unsaturated heterometallacyclobuta‐2,3‐dienes.     

Synthesis,Characterization, and Electronic Structures of Porphyrins Fused with Polycyclic Aromatic Ring Systems

A series of porphyrins fused with acenaphthylene, phenanthroline, and benzofluoranthene polycyclic aromatic rings were prepared by means of a 3+1 porphyrin synthesis approach and subsequent retro‐Diels–Alder reaction of bicyclo[2.2.2]octadiene‐fused precursors. Analysis of the magnetic circular dichroism spectra and the results of time‐dependent DFT calculations are used to identify the reasons for the trends observed in the wavelengths and relative intensities of the Q bands of the products. Michl's perimeter model is used as a conceptual framework to explain the changes in the relative energies of the frontier π‐molecular orbitals.     

New 2,6‐Distyryl‐Substituted BODIPY Isomers: Synthesis,Photophysical Properties,and Theoretical Calculations

A 2,6‐distyryl‐substituted boradiazaindacene (BODIPY) dye and a new series of 2,6‐p‐dimethylaminostyrene isomers containing both α‐ and β‐position styryl substituents were synthesized by reacting styrene and p‐dimethylaminostyrene with an electron‐rich diiodo‐BODIPY. The dyes were characterized by X‐ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy and their photophysical properties were investigated and analyzed by carrying out a series of theoretical calculations. The absorption spectra contain markedly redshifted absorbance bands due to conjugation between the styryl moieties and the main BODIPY fluorophore. Very low fluorescence quantum yields and significant Stokes shifts are observed for 2,6‐distyryl‐substituted BODIPYs, relative to analogous 3,5‐distyryl‐ and 1,7‐distyryl‐substituted BODIPYs. Although the fluorescence of the compound with β‐position styryl substituents on both pyrrole moieties and one with both β‐ and α‐position substituents was completely quenched, the compound with only α‐position substituents exhibits weak emission in polar solvents, but moderately intense emission with a quantum yield of 0.49 in hexane. Protonation studies have demonstrated that these 2,6‐p‐dimethylaminostyrene isomers can be used as sensors for changes in pH. Theoretical calculations provide strong evidence that styryl rotation and the formation of non‐emissive charge‐separated S₁ states play a pivotal role in shaping the fluorescence properties of these dyes. Molecular orbital theory is used as a conceptual framework to describe the electronic structures of the BODIPY core and an analysis of the angular nodal patterns provides a reasonable explanation for why the introduction of substituents at different positions on the BODIPY core has markedly differing effects.     

Solid‐State 73Ge NMR Spectroscopy of Simple Organogermanes

Germanium‐73 is an extremely challenging nucleus to examine by NMR spectroscopy due to its unfavorable NMR properties. Through the use of an ultrahigh (21.1 T) magnetic field, a systematic study of a series of simple organogermanes was carried out. In those cases for which X‐ray structural data were available, correlations were drawn between the NMR parameters and structural metrics. These data were combined with DFT calculations to obtain insight into the structures of several compounds with unknown crystal structures.     

Incorporation of a Phenanthrene Subunit into a Sapphyrin Framework: Synthesis of Expanded Aceneporphyrinoids

32‐Hetero‐5,6‐dimethoxyphenanthrisapphyrins—macrocycles that link structural features of polycylic aromatic hydrocarbons and expanded porphyrins—were obtained in a straightforward [3+1] condensation reaction of dimethoxyphenanthritripyrrane and 2,5‐bis(arylhydroxymethyl)heterocyclopentadienes. The highly folded conformation of formally 4 n π‐electron macrocycles causes them to manifest only limited macrocyclic π conjugation as explored by means of NMR spectroscopic and X‐ray structural analyses, and supported by DFT calculations. Although protonation does not change their π‐conjugation characteristics, the cleavage of ether groups at the phenanthrenylene moiety yields nonaromatic 32‐hetero‐5,6‐dioxophenanthrisapphyrins.     

Highly Pure Synthesis,Spectral Assignments,and Two‐Photon Properties of Cruciform Porphyrin Pentamers Fused with Benzene Units

Tetrameric porphyrin formation of 2‐hydroxymethylpyrrole fused with porphyrins through a bicyclo[2.2.2]octadiene unit gave bicyclo[2.2.2]octadiene‐fused porphyrin pentamers. Thermal conversion of the pentamers gave fully π‐conjugated cruciform porphyrin pentamers fused with benzene units in quantitative yields. UV/Vis spectra of fully π‐conjugated porphyrin pentamers showed one very strong Q absorption and were quite different from those of usual porphyrins. From TD‐DFT calculations, the HOMO level is 0.49 eV higher than the HOMO?1 level. The LUMO and LUMO+1 levels are very close and are lower by more than 0.27 eV than those of other unoccupied MOs. The strong Q absorption was interpreted as two mutually orthogonal single‐electron transitions (683 nm: 86 %, HOMO→LUMO; 680 nm: 86 %, HOMO→LUMO+1). The two‐photon absorption (TPA) cross section value (σ⁽²⁾) of the benzene‐fused porphyrin pentamer was estimated to be 3900 GM at 1500 nm, which is strongly correlated with a cruciform molecular structure with multidirectional π‐conjugation pathways.     

Central‐Atom Size Effects on the Methyl Torsions of Group XIV Tetratolyls

The Group XIV tetratolyl series X(C₆H₄‐CH₃)₄ (X=C, Si, Ge, Sn, Pb) were studied by using inelastic neutron scattering to measure the low‐energy phonon spectra to directly access the methyl‐group torsional modes. The effect of increased molecular radius as a function of the size of the central atom was shown to have direct influence on the methyl dynamics, reinforced with the findings of molecular dynamics and contact surface calculations, based upon the solid‐state structures. The torsional modes in the lightest analogue were found to be predominantly intramolecular: the Si and Ge analogues have a high degree of intermolecular methyl–methyl group interactions, whilst the heaviest analogues (Sn and Pb) showed pronounced intermolecular methyl interactions with the whole phonon bath of the lattice modes.     

Synthesis,Characterization, and Electro‐Optical Properties of ZnII Complexes with π‐Conjugated Terpyridine Ligands

Leading light : A series of zinc(II) bis‐terpyridine complexes (see picture) is investigated by means of DFT calculations combined with Bader's quantum theory of atoms in molecules. Raman spectroscopy experiments and studies of the electro‐optical properties of the complexes in solution and the solid state are also performed to examine their potential as new emissive materials in light‐emitting devices.

     

Tetrathiafulvalene‐Fused Porphyrins via Quinoxaline Linkers: Symmetric and Asymmetric Donor–Acceptor Systems

A tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) donor is annulated to porphyrins (P) via quinoxaline linkers to form novel symmetric P–TTF–P triads 1 a – c and asymmetric P–TTF dyads 2 a , b in good yields. These planar and extended π‐conjugated molecules absorb light over a wide region of the UV/Vis spectrum as a result of additional charge‐transfer excitations within the donor–acceptor assemblies. Quantum‐chemical calculations elucidate the nature of the electronically excited states. The compounds are electrochemically amphoteric and primarily exhibit low oxidation potentials. Cyclic voltammetric and spectroelectrochemical studies allow differentiation between the TTF and porphyrin sites with respect to the multiple redox processes occurring within these molecular assemblies. Transient absorption measurements give insight into the excited‐state events and deliver corresponding kinetic data. Femtosecond transient absorption spectra in benzonitrile may suggest the occurrence of fast charge separation from TTF to porphyrin in dyads 2 a , b but not in triads 1 a – c . Clear evidence for a photoinduced and relatively long lived charge‐separated state (385 ps lifetime) is obtained for a supramolecular coordination compound built from the ZnP–TTF dyad and a pyridine‐functionalized C₆₀ acceptor unit. This specific excited state results in a (ZnP–TTF)^?+ ??? (C₆₀py)^?? state. The binding constant of Zn^II ??? py is evaluated by constructing a Benesi–Hildebrand plot based on fluorescence data. This plot yields a binding constant K of 7.20×10⁴ M ^?1, which is remarkably high for bonding of pyridine to ZnP.     

Palladium‐Catalyzed Desymmetrization of Silacyclobutanes with Alkynes to Silicon‐Stereogenic Silanes: A Density Functional Theory Study

The palladium‐catalyzed desymmetrization of silacyclobutanes using electron‐deficient alkynes proceeds with high enantioselectivity in the presence of a chiral P ligand; this provides a facile approach for the synthesis of novel silicon‐stereogenic silanes. In this work, we used hybrid density functional theory (DFT) to elucidate the mechanism of the palladium‐catalyzed desymmetrization of silacyclobutanes with dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate. Full catalytic cycle including two different initiation modes that were proposed to be a possible initial step to the formation of the 1‐pallada‐2‐silacyclopentane/alkyne intermediate—the oxidative addition of the palladium complex to the silacyclobutane Si?C bond (cycle MA) or coordination of the Pd⁰ complex with the alkyne C≡C bond (cycle MB)—have been studied. It was found that the ring‐expansion reaction began with cycle MB is energetically more favorable. The formation of a seven‐membered metallocyclic Pd^II intermediate was found to be the rate‐determining step, whereas the enantioselectivity‐determining step, oxidative addition of silacyclobutane to the three‐membered metallocyclic Pd^II intermediate, was found to be quite sensitive to the steric repulsion between the chiral ligand and silacyclobutane.