Structure-property investigations of conjugated thiophenes fused onto a dehydro[14]annulene scaffold

A series of 12 thieno-fused macrocycles based on the dehydro[14]annulene framework have been prepared. Studies have focused on the optical and electronic properties of the dehydrobenzothieno[14]annulenes (DBTAs) and dehydrothieno[14]annulenes (DTAs) utilizing NMR spectroscopy, UV-vis spectrophotometry, electrochemistry, and DFT computations. X-ray crystal structures were also obtained for two of the macrocycles. The structure-property relationships were found to vary significantly based on the relative orientation of the thiophenes. The stability, properties, and reactivity of these macrocycles were found to be more typical of dehydroannulenes rather than oligothiophenes.     

Strain‐Promoted Double Azide Addition to Octadehydrodibenzo[12]annulene Derivatives

Octadehydrodibenzo[12]annulenes (DBAs), readily available by the oxidative acetylenic coupling of 1,2‐diethynylbenzene derivatives, were reacted with organic azides. As compared to the well‐known strain‐promoted azide‐alkyne cycloaddition (SpAAC) of 5,6,11,12‐tetradehydrodibenzo[a,e][8]annulene, the reactivity of the DBA alkynes was lower due to the lower strain energy. However, the regioselective double azide addition occurred without any side reactions under mild conditions, yielding bis‐triazole products. The structures of the products were confirmed by an X‐ray crystal structure analysis, and the reaction mechanism was studied by ¹H‐NMR spectroscopy and computational studies. It was also found that the DBAs were hardly fluorescent, while the bis‐triazole products showed a green fluorescence with quantum yields up to 5.1 %. Finally, the new strain‐promoted double azide addition to the DBAs was used for step‐growth polymerization, successfully producing a high molecular weight triazole polymer.     

Organometallic dehydro[14] annulenes containing Vollhardt's cyclobutadiene: are CpCo-complexed cyclobutadienes more aromatic then benzene?

Pd-catalyzed coupling of 1,2-diethynyl-3,4-(bistrimethylsilyl)cyclobutadienecyclopentadienylcobalt to a series of 1-iodo-2-(trimethylsilylethynyl)benzenes and 1-chloro-4-trimethylsilylbut-1-ene-3-yne is followed by desilylation with potassium carbonate. Cu(OAc)(2)-promoted oxidative ring closure leads to dehydro[14]annulenes and dehydro[14]benzoannulenes fused to a cyclobutadiene(cyclopentadienylcobalt) complex. Five of these fused dehydroannulenes were structurally characterized. (1)H NMR spectroscopy of the organometallic dehydro[14]annulenes incorporating the (bistrimethylsilyl)cyclobutadiene(cyclopentadienylcobalt) unit suggested that the aromaticity of the fused cyclobutadiene complex might be stronger than that of benzene according to the ring-current criterion.     

One-pot synthesis of N-substituted diaza[12]annulenes

N-Substituted diaza[12]annulenes are obtained by one -pot reaction of N-(2,4-dinitrophenyl)pyridinium chloride with amines in moderate to high yields. The 1H NMR spectrum reveals that diamagnetic ring current is generated in the diaza[12]annulene ring. The N-substituted diaza[12]annulenes are electrochemically active in solution.     

Theoretical studies on graphyne substructures: geometry, aromaticity, and electronic properties of the multiply fused dehydrobenzo[12]annulenes

The geometries of multiply fused dehydrobenzo[12]annulenes [12]DBAs 2-7 with various topologies, which are considered as graphyne fragments, have been optimized at the B3LYP/6-31G* level of theory. Most of the optimized geometries of fused DBAs have planar structures excluding a boomerang-shaped bisDBA 4, a trefoil-shaped trisDBA 6, and a wheel-shaped DBA 7. For the boomerang-shaped bisDBA 4 and the trefoil-shaped trisDBA 6, distortions originate from the steric repulsion between hydrogen atoms attached to adjacent benzene rings. The harmonic oscillator model of aromaticity (HOMA) values at the central benzene ring of multiply fused DBAs decrease as the number of fused 12-membered rings increases except for the closely related structures 4 and 5 and 6 and 7, because of bond length elongation due to conjugation with the phenylethynyl groups. Nucleus-independent chemical shifts (NICS) were computed at the individual ring centers of the fused DBAs. The fusion of the antiaromatic 12-membered rings results in increasing (more positive) NICS values at the central benzene ring, indicating the decrease of diatropic ring currents. Furthermore, HOMO-LUMO gaps of the DBAs 2-7 are strongly influenced by the molecular topology. The para-conjugation pathway of the bis(phenylethynyl)benzene unit plays a more important role in the determination of the electronic properties of multiply fused DBAs than the meta- and ortho-conjugation pathways.     

1H-chemical shifts of some dehydro[12]- and dehydro[14]-annulenes

The ring-current (RC) and local anisotropic (LA) contributions to the ¹H-chemical shifts of the dehydro[12]- and dehydro[14]-annulenes 1–13 have been calculated. The calculated shifts are in very good accord with experiment. Only protons with distances <3 Å from a triple bond are obtained at too high a field. It is shown that only the consideration of the combined RC and LA effects can provide an explanation of the chemical shifts of inner and outer protons of annulenes.     

Generation and characterization of highly strained dibenzotetrakisdehydro[12]annulene

We report here the generation of tetrakisdehydro[12]annulene possessing a highly deformed triyne component from the [4.3.2]propellatriene-annelated precursor by its photolysis extruding indan and the characterization of the highly reactive annulene by chemical and spectroscopic methods. In addition to the chemical evidence for the formation of the title compound in solution such as interception as a Diels-Alder adduct, we succeeded in its characterization by UV-vis and FTIR spectra in an argon matrix at 20 K. The experimental IR spectrum agreed well with the theoretical one calculated by the DFT method.     

1,2-Didehydro[10]annulenes: structures, aromaticity, and cyclizations

The conformational space of C(10)H(8) 1,2-didehydro[10]annulenes, along with their unimolecular conversion to isonaphthalenes (cyclic allenes), has been studied computationally using DFT (B3LYP), single-reference [CCSD(T)], and multireference (MCQDPT2) post-HF methods. The introduction of the linear alkynyl moiety releases enough angle strain to make a nearly planar "heart" aromatic form the preferred conformer by more than 6 kcal/mol [CCSD(T)] over a localized C(2) "twist" structure, as opposed to the closely related C(10)H(10) [10]annulene system. Computations also show that electrocyclic ring-opening of isonaphthalenes to the heart C(10)H(8) annulene takes place through a low barrier of 15 kcal/mol, and this should be considered the working mechanism for the reported isomerizations during dehydro Diels-Alder reactions of phenylacetylenes.     

Dehydro[12]annulenes: structures, energetics, and dynamic processes

Density functional and coupled cluster calculations on neutral monodehydro[12]annulenes (C(12)H(10)) reveal a global minimum that should be kinetically stable. At the CCSD(T)/cc-pVDZ//BHLYP/6-31G* level, the unsymmetrical CTCTC conformer 1a lies at least 3 kcal/mol below all other isomers studied. The two isomers closest in energy to 1a are Mo?bius structure 5a (CCTCC) and all-cis 6a. Isomer 1a can undergo conformational automerization with E(a) = 3.9 kcal/mol, implying that this process would be rapid on the NMR time scale, and computed (1)H NMR parameters (GIAO-B3LYP/6-311+G**//RHF/6-31G*) are presented. Cumulenic dehydro[12]annulene isomers, with 1,2,3-butatriene subunits, were found to be reactive intermediates in the interconversion of different configurations of the alkyne forms. Pathways for configuration change of 1a, and for subsequent rearrangement to biphenyl, were investigated. The 28 kcal/mol overall barrier for the lowest energy pathway connecting 1a to biphenyl suggests that 1a is kinetically stable with respect to valence isomerization.     

Tetrakisdehydro[18]annuleno[20]annulene

Tetrakisdehydro[18]annuleno[20]annulene has been synthesized. The ¹H NMR spectra clearly indicate the induction of dia- and paramagnetic ring currents in 18- and 20-rings, respectively. A marked suppression of the diatropicity in the 18π moiety was observed being in the same trend in other tetrakisdehydro[4n]annuleno[4n′+2]annulenes. The ¹H NMR spectroscopic behavior of the annulenoannulenes is consistent with theoretical conclusion.     

The first trisaza-bridged [60]fulleroid: drilling a hole on the fullerene

[reaction: see text] Two types of trisaza-bridged [60]fulleroids have been synthesized for the first time. By means of (13)C NMR, (1)H NMR, MALDI-TOF MS, FTIR, UV-vis, and 2D-NMR (gHSQC, gHMBC, and NOSEY) spectroscopy, they have been shown to be tris[6,5]-opened-aza-bridged adducts with substituents on the same five-membered ring with C(s)() symmetry. Some data of nonlinear optics and electrochemistry for the product are also reported.     

Synthesis and properties of butyl-capped dehydrothieno[14]annulenes and their conversion into terthiophenes

A series of butyl end-capped dehydrothieno[14]annulenes (DTAs) has been prepared. These compounds were further transformed into electron-rich terthiophenes (3TPs) by reaction with sodium sulfide. The DTA and 3TP macrocycles were compared qualitatively using UV-vis spectroscopy, and the latter were found to have lower energy absorptions. The conformations of these molecules were also examined by DFT-YFLP computations.     

Synthesis of highly branched sulfur-nitrogen heterocycles by cascade cycloadditions of [1,2]dithiolo[1,4]thiazines and [1,2]dithiolopyrroles

We report the synthesis of some new polysulfur-nitrogen heterocycles by cascade cycloadditions to readily available polycyclic 1,2-dithiole-3-thiones. Thus, treatment of bis[1,2]dithiolopyrrole dithione 1 with dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate (DMAD) or dibenzoylacetylene (DBA) gave the 1:4 adducts 2a,b and 3a. On the other hand, cycloaddition of bis[1,2]dithiolo[1,4]thiazine dithiones 4a-d with the same dipolarophiles gave the 1:2, 1:3, or 1:4 adducts 5a-c, 6a, 7a, 8a, 9a, and 10a,c,d selectively in fair to high yields. Reaction conditions were crucial for achievement of selectivity in thermal reactions. Catalysis by scandium triflate was used in the reaction of 4a and 2 equiv of DMAD. Treatment of the [1,2]dithiolo[1,4]thiazine dithione 11 with DBA gave the 1:2, 1:3 (two isomers), and 1:4 adducts 12-14 and 15a-d selectively. Cyclic voltammetry of selected examples showed irreversible processes that were not influenced by peripheral groups bonded to the heterocyclic system.     

Synthesis of New Dibenzo-tetraaza and Dibenzo-dioxadiaza[14]annulene Derivatives Using 3-Bromo-substituted Vinamidinium Salt

Novel bromo-substituted derivatives of dibenzo-tetraaza and dibenzo-dioxadiaza[14]annulenes B–G were synthesized by a twofold condensation reaction of a symmetrical bromo-substituted vinamidinum salt A with ortho-diamino- and ortho-amino-hydroxyarenes such as 1,2-diaminobenzene, 1,2-diamino-4,5-dimethylbenzene, 2,3-diaminonaphthalene, 1,2-diamino-4-methylbenzene, 2-amino-1-hydroxybnzene, and 2-amino-1-hydroxy-5-methyl-benzene in acetonitrile/acetic acid as reaction medium. The ultraviolet/visible spectral behavior of these [14]annulenes was examined in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Elemental analysis, infrared, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, and mass spectra confirm the molecular structure of the newly synthesized compounds.     

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.     

Donors and acceptors based on triangular dehydrobenzo[12]annulenes: formation of a triple-layered rosette structure by a charge-transfer complex

We present here the results of studies of the synthesis and properties of donors and acceptors based on triangular dehydrobenzo[12]annulene ([12]DBA) system as a pi core. These studies were aimed at controlling the supramolecular crystal structure. Toward this end, the tricyano[12]DBA 2 and dodecafluoro[12]DBA ( 3) were synthesized as acceptors (A) and the tris(dialkylamino)[12]DBAs 4a-d as donors (D), and their electronic properties were determined by electronic absorption spectroscopy and electrochemical measurements. The main focus, though, was the formation of supramolecular structures in crystals. These compounds form distinct packing patterns as a result of the different intermolecular interactions. Tricyano[12]DBA 2 forms a two-dimensional (2D) sheet structure via hydrogen-bonding interactions, whereas a tilted-stack structure was found for 3 because of the lack of significant intermolecular interactions. Tris(dibutylamino)[12]DBA 4b exhibits a ladder-type 2D structure, probably because of van der Waals interactions between the butyl groups. The most significant finding is that charge-transfer interactions between donor 4a and acceptor 3 combined with their triangular molecular shapes and lateral CH...F hydrogen bonding result in the formation of a 2D rosette structure consisting of two different trimeric (DAD- and ADA-type) sandwich structures with 1:2 and 2:1 A/D ratios, respectively.     

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]     

Preparation of N,N'-bisethoxyethane[12]amideferrocenophane and its application in anion recognition

Novel N,N'-bisethoxyethane[12]amideferrocenophane has been synthesized by a condensation reaction and characterized by (1)H NMR and mass spectrum. The anion recognition properties of the compound are evaluated via (1)H NMR, FT-IR, and electrochemical measurement. It is found that N,N'-bisethoxyethane[12]amideferrocenophane exhibits remarkable electrochemical response to H(2)PO(4-) anion in CH(2)C(l2) or CH(3)CN solution, and response to anions can also be observed in CH(3)CN solution containing up to 15% water. Binding constants between the compound and HSO(4-) in different solutions have been determined by UV-vis spectrum titration experiments. The results indicate that the compound shows a selective recognition trend of H(2)PO(4-) > HSO(4-) (F(-)) > Br(-).     

Perimeter-Type Structures in Charged [4n + 2] Annuleno [4n + 2] annulenes. The Importance of the Frontier-Orbitals

The tetra(tert-butyl)[14]annuleno[14]annulene 1 is transformed, via alkali metal reduction, into its radical monoanion, dianion, radical trianion, and tetraanion. The paramagnetic species are characterized by ESR and ENDOR spectroscopy and the diamagnetic species by ¹H- and ¹³C-NMR spectroscopy. Well-resolved ESR and NMR spectra can only be obtained, if the reduction is carefully monitored. For the interpretation of the data, the ions derived from the structurally related [14]- and [22]annulenes 3 and 5 as well from the tetra(tert-butyl)[14]annuleno[18]annulene 2 serve as suitable model compounds. While the behavior of the neutral annulenoannulene 1 is governed by that of the [14]annulene-subunit, the corresponding ionic systems can best be described as macrocyclic perimeters. This outcome can be rationalized by the nodal properties of the frontier MO's.     

Dehydro[12]- and -[18]annulenes fused with tetrafluorobenzene: synthesis,electronic properties,packing structures,and reactivity in the solid state

Dehydro[12]- and -[18]annulenes 3 and 4 fused with tetrafluorobenzene were newly synthesized by the copper-mediated oxidative coupling of 1,2-diethynyltetrafluorobenzene. The UV-vis spectra of 3 and 4 showed the maximum absorption to be almost identical to that of the corresponding unsubstituted benzodehydro[12]- and -[18]annulenes 1 and 2, respectively, while the reduction waves in cyclic voltammetry observed at potentials of -1.48 and -1.56 V vs Fc/Fc(+) for 3 and 4 were less negative than those for 1 and 2. In agreement with these results, theoretical calculations (B3LYP/6-31G(d)) indicated that the HOMO-LUMO gap is similar for 1 and 3 and for 2 and 4 but that the LUMO levels of 3 and 4 are apparently lowered by the electronegative fluorine substituents. The X-ray crystallography of single crystals grown from 3 (crystal A), 3.C(6)H(6) (crystal B), and a mixture of 1 and 3 (crystal C) demonstrated that the molecules of 3 are stacked in a slanted manner in crystals A and B, while those of 1 and 3 form sandwichlike 1:2 complexes (3.1.3) that are stacked in a columnar arrangement in crystal C. Despite the suitable packing for topochemical polymerization, crystals A-C were quite stable against photochemical reaction. In contrast, differential scanning calorimetry showed that the thermal polymerization occurred explosively at 120-135 degrees C.