The synthesis of a dicyclopenta[a,e]pentalene via a molybdenum hexacarbonyl-mediated tandem allenic Pauson-Khand reaction

An approach to the 14pi annulene has been developed, by employing the molybdenum hexacarbonyl-mediated tandem allenic Pauson-Khand reaction as a key step. A di-triisopropylsilyl substituted dicyclopenta[a,e]pentalene was synthesized. This 14pi annulene showed some electronic delocalization, which was not observed in previous cases.     

Donor-acceptor copolymers from cyclopentannulation polymerizations with dicyclopenta[cd,jk]pyrene and dicyclopenta[cd,lm] perylene acceptors

A series of donor-acceptor copolymers with dicyclopenta[cd,jk]pyrene and dicyclopenta[cd,lm]perylene acceptor units was prepared via palladium catalyzed cyclopenta-annulation reactions. The acceptor units were paired with diethynyl containing donor groups based on benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b’]dithiophene, thieno[3,2-b]thiophene, and 4-octyl-4H-dithieno[3,2-b:2′,3′-d]pyrrole to create six polymer variants. The cyclopentannulation polymerization resulted in copolymers with molecular weights (Mn) of 6–14 kDa and broad light absorption in the visible region with band gaps of 1.38–1.85 eV. The synthetic methodology, as well as optoelectronic properties, including thin-film absorption and cyclic voltammetry, of the donor-acceptor copolymers are presented.     

Dicyclobuta[de,ij]naphthalene and dicyclopenta[cd,gh]pentalene: a theoretical study

The structures, energetics, and aromatic character of dicyclobuta[de,ij]naphthalene, 1, dicyclopenta[cd,gh]pentalene, 2, dihydrodicyclobuta[de,ij]naphthalene, 3, and dihydrocyclopenta[cd,gh]pentalene, 4, have been examined at the B3LYP/6-311++G//B3LYP/6-31G level of theory. All molecules are bowl-shaped, and the pentalene isomers, 2 and 4, are most stable. A comparison with other C(12)H(6) and C(12)H(8) isomers indicates that 2 is approximately 25 kcal/mol less stable than 1,5,9-tridehydro[12]annulene and 4 is approximately 100 kcal/mol higher in energy than acenaphthylene, both of which are synthetically accessible. The transition state structure for bowl-to-bowl inversion of 1 is planar (D(2)(h)()) and lies 30.9 kcal/mol higher in energy than the ground state; the transition state for inversion of 2 is C(2)(h)() and lies 46.6 kcal/mol higher in energy. Symmetry considerations, bond length alternations, and NICS values (a magnetic criterion) all indicate that the ground states of 1, 3, and 4 are very aromatic; however, HOMA values (a measure of bond delocalization) indicate that 3S and 4S are aromatic but that 1S is less so. NICS values for the ground state of 2 strongly indicate aromaticity; however, bond localization, symmetry, and HOMA values argue otherwise.     

Violation of Hund's rule in the lowest excited singlet-triplet pairs of dicyclohepta[cd,gh]pentalene and dicyclopenta[ef,kl]heptalene

Using the Pariser-Parr-Pople type MO method, the energy ordering of the lowest excited singlet-triplet pairs of the title molecules is examined by taking into account ample configuration interactions. In dicyclohepta[cd,gh]pentalene, it is shown that the lowest excited singlet state lies below the corresponding triplet state by about 6 kcal/mol. This violation of Hund's rule is ascribed entirely to the correlation effects brought about by spin polarization terms. Such a violation of Hund's rule is expected to occur in the lowest excited states of dicyclopenta[ef,kl]heptalene.     

Synthetic studies on dicyclopenta[a,d]cyclooctane terpenoids: construction of the core structure of fusicoccins and ophiobolins on the route involving a Wagner-Meerwein rearrangement

The total diastereoselective synthesis of dicyclopenta[a,d]cyclooctane core skeleton of tricyclic terpenoids, fusicoccins, and ophiobolins is reported. The synthesis commences from 2-methylcyclopent-2-en-1-one and leads first to the easily accessible intermediary cyclopenta[8]annulene 18. The subsequent steps include two key transformations: shifting the angular methyl group from the angular to the neighboring position employing a carbocationic rearrangement (26 → 28) and construction of a quaternary stereogenic center via alkylation of α-methylcyclooctanone intermediate (38 → 48). In the context of the latter transformation, a series of model experiments on alkylation of 2-methylcyclooctan-1-one were conducted. The stereochemical assignments were verified by X-ray analyses of the key structures 39 and 50.     

Pyrylation of 1,2-diphenylbenzo[b]cyclopenta[e]pyran

1,2-Diphenylbenzo[b]cyclopenta[e]pyran was pyrylated with 2,6-diphenylpyrylium perchlorate. The structures of the singly and doubly charged 2,6-diphenyl-4-(1,2-di-phenylbenzo[b]cyclopenta[e]-3-pyrania)pyrylium cations are confirmed by data from the electronic absorption spectra. A radical mechanism for the pyrylation is proposed on the basis of the ESR spectrum.Translated from Khimiya Geterotsiklicheskikh Soedinenii, No. 4, pp. 459–461, April, 1978.     

Characterization of Benzo[a]naphtho[2,3-f]pentalene: Interrelation between Open-shell and Antiaromatic Characters Governed by Mode of the Quinoidal Subunit and Molecular Symmetry

The singlet open-shell character and antiaromaticity are intriguing features in π-conjugated carbocycles. These two exhibit similar chemical and physical properties. However, they rarely coexist in the same molecule. Understanding the interrelation between the open-shell and antiaromatic characteristics in the same molecule is crucial to control the electronic properties. Herein we describe the synthesis and characterization of a new member of diareno[a,f]pentalene, benzo[a]naphtho[2,3-f]pentalene 6 . Unlike its isomer 5 with a closed-shell ground state, 6 exhibits an appreciable open-shell character and a moderate antiaromatic feature. The behaviors of the open-shell index (y₀) against the difference of the proton chemical signal (Δδ(H¹)) between pentalenide dianions/neutral pentalenes for our reported pentalenes 1 , 4 , 5 , and 6 give a thought-provoking conclusion about the interrelation between open-shell and antiaromatic characteristics in this series. The mode of the incorporated quinoidal moiety and the formal molecular symmetry are critical to balance these two characteristics.     

Pi-extended o-quinoidal tropone derivatives: experimental and theoretical studies of naphtho[2,3-c]tropone and anthro[2,3-c]tropone

pi-Extended o-quinoidal tropone derivatives, naphtho[2,3-c]tropone (3) and anthro[2,3-c]tropone (4), have been investigated theoretically as well as experimentally. The geometrical optimization of 3,4 and related compounds at the B3LYP level employing 6-31G* basis set as well as the GIAO calculations at the RHF level employing the 6-31+G* basis set have been performed to evaluate the contributions of the polarized resonance forms to these molecules. The GIAO calculated NICS(1) values indicate that the aromaticities of the tropone rings of o-quinoidal 3 and 4 are significantly increased as compared with that of parent tropone (1) at the expense of the fused benzenoid rings, consistent with the significant electronic polarization of these molecules in the ground state. On the other hand, the fusion of a benzene or naphthalene ring to the 2,3- or 4,5-position of tropone leads to diminution of aromaticity in the resulting tropone moiety. Experimentally, irradiation of 6,7-(2',3'-naphtho)bicyclo[3.2.0]hepta-3,6-dien-2-one (10) in a rigid glass at -196 degrees C leads to the formation of, which exhibits a characteristic UV-Vis absorption extending to 700 nm and undergoes rapid [pi 12 + pi 14] dimerization upon thawing the glass. In contrast, 6,7-(2',3'-anthro)bicyclo[3.2.0]hepta-3,6-dien-2-one (11) showed no sign of isomerization to 4 under the same reaction conditions.     

Diaceno[a,e]pentalenes: An Excellent Molecular Platform for High‐Performance Organic Semiconductors

Three diaceno[a,e]pentalene analogues with pendant sterically bulky di‐tert‐butylphenyl groups have been designed and synthesized. With the extension of the conjugated molecular framework, the molecular arrangement is apparently tuned by the balance between the π‐extended surface and pendant alkyl or aryl substituents. Theoretical calculations of the morphologies were in good agreement with the experimental results. Ambient‐stable field‐effect transistors based on dianthraceno[a,e]pentalene ( DAP ) have been fabricated, which exhibited excellent hole mobilities (up to 6.55 cm² V^?1 s^?1). Thus, this study has shown that diaceno[a,e]pentalenes are stable even with an extraordinarily large π‐surface area, and may thus serve as excellent molecular platforms for further exploring high‐performance semiconducting materials.     

Expanded radialenes with bicyclo[4.3.1]decatriene units: new precursors to cyclo[n]carbons

A new method for the formation of conjugated polyynes has been developed based on both the rearrangement of vinylidenes to alkynes and the [2+1] cheletropic fragmentation of dialkynylmethylenebicyclo[4.3.1]deca-1,3,5-triene derivatives. A model study of the photolysis of simple dialkynylmethylenebicyclo[4.3.1]deca-1,3,5-trienes resulted in cheletropic fragmentation followed by 1,2-migration to give the corresponding linear polyynes, although undesired isomerization to methylenebicyclo[5.3.0]triene derivatives took place concurrently. Expanded [3]-, [4]-, [5]-, and [6]radialene derivatives with exocyclic bicyclo[4.3.1]decatriene units were prepared by oxidative coupling of the monomeric units as precursors to the corresponding cyclo[n]carbons, monocyclic forms of carbon clusters. The spectroscopic properties of the expanded radialenes were investigated in connection with cross conjugation of the core pi system and with its perturbation by the extraannular bicyclic pi system. In negative-mode laser-desorption time-of-flight (LD-TOF) mass spectra, the expanded radialenes exhibited peaks due to the corresponding cyclo[n]carbon anions (n = 18, 24, 30, and 36) formed by the stepwise loss of the aromatic indane fragments.     

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.     

Bicyclo[2.2.2]octene-based "crab-like" molecules: synthesis, complexation, luminescence properties, and solid-state structures

[structure, reaction: see text] The U-shaped, multifunctionalized tetraetheno-bridged dicyclopenta[b,i]anthracenediol 10 was synthesized to serve as a platform molecule. The molecule was prepared from the Diels-Alder adduct 5a of tricycloundecatriene 3 and bicyclo[2.2.2]octene-fused p-benzoquinone 4. Functionalization of 10 to construct crab-like molecules was achieved via the base-promoted bis-O-alkylation of two endo-oriented hydroxyl groups at termini in 10 with the following alkyl halides: allyl, propagyl, and benzyl bromides; 1-bromo- and 1-iodo-4-(bromomethyl)benzene; 9-(bromomethyl)anthracene; 1-(bromomethyl)pyrene; and isomeric bromomethylpyridines. Single-crystal X-ray structures were obtained for bis-phenyl (21) and bis-pyrenyl (25) crabs, and for the silver(I) complex (32 and 33) crabs. The silver(I) complex 32 from bis-o-pyridyl crab 30 is a [2+2] dimeric dimetallocyclophane, and 33 from bis-m-pyridyl crab 29 is a [1+1] metallo-bridged cyclophane. The self-assembled intramolecular pi-stacking of pyrenyl rings in 25 with an interplanar distance of 3.40 A and the consequent pi-pi interactions were revealed by the X-ray crystal structure and its luminescence property.     

Electrophilic and oxidative chemistry of pyrene and its non-alternant isomers: theoretical (DFT, GIAO-NMR, NICS) study of protonation carbocations and oxidation dications from pyrene, azupyrene (dicyclopenta[ef,kl]heptalene) and dicyclohepta[ed,gh]pentalene

Mono- and diprotonated carbocations and the two-electron oxidation dications derived from parent pyrene and its nonalternant isomers "azupyrene"(dicyclopenta[ef,kl]heptalene)(DCPH) and dicyclohepta[ed,gh]pentalene (DCHP) were studied by DFT at the B3LYP/6-31G(d) level. The most likely site(s) for mono- and diprotonation were determined based on relative arenium ion energies and the structures of the energetically most favored carbocations were determined by geometry optimization. The NMR chemical shifts for the protonated mono- and dications and the oxidation dications were computed by GIAO-NMR at the B3LYP/6-31G(d)//B3LYP/6-31G(d) level and their charge delocalization paths were deduced based on magnitude of the computed [capital Delta][small delta](13)C values and the NPA-derived changes in charges. Relative aromaticity/antiaromaticity in various rings in the energetically favored mono- and dications was estimated via NICS and [capital Delta]NICS. Calculated NMR chemical shift data for and were compared with the available experimental NMR values. The available data on chemical and physical properties of DCPH and DCHP are extremely limited and biological activity data are non-existent. The present study provides the first glance into their carbocations and oxidation dications, while augmenting and reinforcing the previous stable ion data on the pyrenium cations.     

Electronic structures and spectroscopic properties of nitrido-osmium(VI) complexes with acetylide ligands [OsN(C[Triple Bond]CR)4]- R=H, CH3, and Ph by density functional theory calculation

Electronic structures and spectroscopic properties of a series of nitrido-osmium (VI) complex ions with acetylide ligands, [OsN(C[Triple Bond]CR)(4)](-) (R[Double Bond]H, (1), CH(3) (2), and Ph (3)) were investigated theoretically. The structures of the complexes were fully optimized at the B3LYP and CIS level for the ground states and excited states, respectively. The calculated bond lengths of Os[Triple Bond]N (1.639 A in 1, 1.642 A in 2, and 1.643 A in 3) and Os-C (2.040 A in 1, 2.043 A in 2, and 2.042 A in 3) in ground state agree well with the experimental results. The bond length of Os[Triple Bond]N bond is lengthened by ca. 0.13 A in the A (3)B(2) excited state compared to the (1)A(1) ground state, which is consistent with the lower vibration frequency of nu(Os-N) ( approximately 780 cm(-1)) in the excited state than that ( approximately 1175 cm(-1)) in the ground state. Among the calculated dipole-allowed absorptions at lambda>250 nm, the intense absorption at 261 nm for 1, 266 nm for 2, and 300 nm for 3 were attributed to the (1)[pi(C[Triple Bond]C)]-->(1)[pi(*)(N[Triple Bond]Os)+pi(*)(C[Triple Bond]C)], (1)[pi(C[Triple Bond]C)]-->(1)[pi(*)(N[Triple Bond]Os)+pi(*)(C[Triple Bond]C)], and (1)[pi(C[Triple Bond]CPh)]-->(1)[pi(*)(N[Triple Bond]Os)+pi(*)(C[Triple Bond]CPh)], respectively. The lowest energy absorption at lambda(max)=393 nm for 1, 400 nm for 2, and 400 nm for 3 were assigned as (1)[d(xy)(Os)+pi(C[Triple Bond]C)]-->(1)[pi(*)(N[Triple Bond]Os)+pi(*)(C[Triple Bond]C)], (1)[d(xy)(Os)+pi(C[Triple Bond]C)]-->(1)[pi(*)(N[Triple Bond]Os)+pi(*)(C[Triple Bond]C)], and (1)[d(xy)(Os)+pi(C[Triple Bond]CPh)]-->(1)[pi(*)(N[Triple Bond]Os)+pi(*)(C[Triple Bond]CPh)], respectively. The calculated phosphorescence emission at lambda(max)=581 nm for 1, 588 nm for 2, and 609 nm for 3 were originated from (3)[(pi(*)(N[Triple Bond]Os)+pi(*)(C[Triple Bond]C))(1)(d(xy)(Os)+pi(C[Triple Bond]C))(1)], (3)[(pi(*)(N[Triple Bond]Os)+pi(*)(C[Triple Bond]C))(1)(d(xy)(Os)+pi(C[Triple Bond]C))(1)], and (3)[(pi(*)(N[Triple Bond]Os)+pi(*)(C[Triple Bond]CPh))(1)(d(xy)(Os)+pi(C[Triple Bond]CPh))(1)] excited state, respectively.     

The nature of the [20.0] 1Sigma+ electronic state of RhB: a multiconfigurational study

Multiconfigurational second order perturbation theory, with extended atomic basis sets and inclusion of scalar relativistic effects, was employed to investigate the low-lying (1)Sigma(+) electronic states of RhB. The [20.0] (1)Sigma(+) state is represented by a single configuration, mid R:[ellipsis (horizontal)]10sigma(2)11sigma(1)5pi(4)2delta(4)12sigma(1), derived from a single excitation (11sigma-->12sigma) from the ground state, which defines its electronic nature. A new excited state, coined as [9.0] (1)Delta (R(0)=1.786A, DeltaG(12)=792 cm(-1)), located 9221 cm(-1) above the X(1)Sigma(+) state, and described by the |...10sigma(2)11sigma(2)5pi(4)2delta(3)12sigma(1)> electronic configuration, was also identified.     

Electronic absorption spectra of pseudoazulenes — Benzo[b]cyclopenta[e]pyran derivatives

Benzo[b]cyclopenta[e]pyran derivatives were synthesized, and their electronic absorption spectra were recorded. The absorption spectra were calculated by the Pariser-Parr-Pople method. The absorption bands in the spectra of the synthesized compounds were assinged on the basis of an anlysis of the experimental and calculated values obtained in the study. It is shown that the long-wave transition in the spectra of benzo[b]cyclopenta[e]pyrans is realized through charge transfer from the five-membered ring to the six-membered heteroring and is determined to a great degree by the pronounced delocalization of the C-C bonds in the fulvene fragment on passing to the first excited state. The bathochromic shift of the long-wave band when phenyl and styryl substituents are introduced is due to the increase in the energy of the upper occupied molecular orbital as compared with the virtual invariability of the level of the lower vacant molecular orbital.Translated from Khimiya Geterotsiklicheskikh Soedinenii, No. 10, pp. 1329–1334, October, 1978.     

Intramolecular [2 + 2]-photocycloaddition/thermal fragmentation approach toward 5-8-5 ring systems

[reaction: see text]. An intramolecular [2 + 2]-photocycloaddition is used to provide a photoadduct, which upon fragmentation, lactone cleavage, and subsequent Cope rearrangement provides a dicyclopenta[a,d]cyclooctene ring system with substituents in place (e.g., C3 and C11) to access several 5-8-5 diterpene and sesterterpene natural products.     

Synthesis and electrochemistry of new Rh-centered and conjuncto rhodium carbonyl clusters. X-ray structure of [NEt(4)](3)[Rh(15)(CO)(27)], [NEt(4)](3)[Rh(15)(CO)(25)(MeCN)(2)] x 2MeCN, and [NEt(4)](3)[Rh(17)(CO)(37)

A reinvestigation of the redox chemistry of [Rh7(CO)16]3- resulted in the finding of new alternative syntheses for a series of previously reported Rh-centered carbonyl clusters, i.e., [H4-nRh14(CO)25]n- (n = 3 and 4) and [Rh17(CO)30]3-, as well as new species such as a different isomer of [Rh15(CO)27]3-, the carbonyl-substituted [Rh15(CO)25(MeCN)2]3-, and the conjuncto [Rh17(CO)37]3- clusters. All of the above clusters are suggested to derive from oxidation of [Rh7(CO)16]3- with H+, arising from dissociation either of [M(H2O)n]2+ aquo complexes or nonoxidizing acids. The nature of the previously reported species has been confirmed by IR, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, and complete X-ray diffraction studies. Only the molecular structures of the new clusters are reported in some details. The ready conversion of [Rh7(CO)16]3- in [HRh14(CO)25]3- upon oxidation has been confirmed by electrochemical techniques. In addition, electrochemical studies point out that the close-packed [H3Rh13(CO)24]2- dianion undergoes a reversible monoelectronic reduction followed by an irreversible reduction. The irreversibility of the second reduction is probably a consequence of H2 elimination from a purported [H3Rh13(CO)24]4- species. Conversely, the body-centered-cubic [HRh14(CO)25]3- and [Rh15(CO)27]3- trianions display several well-defined redox changes with features of electrochemical reversibility, even at low scan rate. The major conclusion of this work is that mild experimental conditions and a tailored oxidizing reagent may enable more selective conversion of [Rh7(CO)16]3- into a higher-nuclearity rhodium carbonyl cluster. It is also shown that isonuclear Rh clusters may display isomeric metal frameworks [i.e., [Rh15(CO)27]3-], as well as almost identical metal frames stabilized by a different number of carbonyl groups [i.e., [Rh15(CO)27]3- and [Rh15(CO)30]3-]. Other isonuclear Rh clusters stabilized by a different number of CO ligands more expectedly exhibit completely different metal geometries [i.e., [Rh17(CO)30]3- and [Rh17(CO)37]3-]. The first pair of isonuclear and isoskeletal clusters is particularly astonishing in that [Rh15(CO)30]3- features six valence electrons more than [Rh15(CO)27]3-. Finally, the electrochemical studies seem to suggest that interstitial Rh atoms are less effective than Ni and Pt interstitial atoms in promoting redox properties and inducing molecular capacitor behavior in carbonyl clusters.