Selective oxidative cyclization by FeCl3 in the construction of 10H-indeno[1,2-b]triphenylene skeletons in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

A novel family of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons of various shapes based on the 10H-indeno1,2-b]triphenylene skeleton has been synthesized via a reaction sequence of Diels-Alder reaction, decarbonylation, followed by an oxidative cyclization. In particular, the reaction conditions for regioselective oxidative cyclization promoted by FeCl3 are investigated, and this reaction is employed as an effective method to afford the above molecules under mild conditions. Their photophysical properties in dilute solution are also reported.