Efficient synthesis of 3,3′,5,5′-tetra(p-X-phenylethynyl)biphenyl (X: NMe2; OMe) by homocoupling of 1-bromo-3,5-di(p-X-phenylethynyl)benzene or by heterocoupling of 3,3′,5,5′-tetraethynylbiphenyl with p-X-phenylbromobenzene with nickel or palladium complexes, respectively

The conjugated 3,3′,5,5′-tetra(p-X-phenylethynyl)biphenyl derivatives were efficiently obtained by homocoupling of 1-bromo-3,5-di(p-X-phenylethynyl)benzene mediated by zero-valent nickel complexes.The 1-bromo-3,5-di(p-X-phenylethynyl)benzene was previously prepared by heterocoupling between 1-bromo-3,5-di(ethynyl)benzene and p-X-iodobenzene (X: NMe₂; OMe) catalysed by the palladium/copper system in good yield. The necessary 1-bromo-3,5-di(ethynyl)benzene was obtained by heterocoupling between 1,3,5-tribromobenzene and 2-methyl-3-butyn-2-ol catalysed by palladium and successive treatment with sodium hydroxide in dry toluene, in good yield.The same 3,3′,5,5′-tetra(p-X-phenylethynyl)biphenyl (X: NMe₂; OMe) derivatives were alternatively synthesised in highest yield by heterocoupling between 3,3′,5,5′-tetra(ethynyl)biphenyl and p-X-bromobenzene (X: NMe₂; OMe) catalysed by palladium in excellent yields. Previously, 3,3′,5,5′-tetra(ethynyl)biphenyl was obtained in practically quantitative yield by homocoupling of 1-bromo-3,5-di[4-(2-methyl-3-butyn-2-ol)] benzene mediated by the zero-valent nickel complex to the 3,3′,5,5′-tetra{di[4-(2-methyl-3-butyn-2-ol)]}biphenyl followed the treatment with sodium hydroxide.