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The article in Chemistry - An Asian Journal discusses the successful synthesis of panchromatic dyes using π‐extended aza[5]helicenes by Satoru Hiroto and Moeko Chujo. By connecting these electron-rich helicenes with electron-accepting diimides, the dyes exhibit broad-range light absorption properties. The research highlights the potential application of these dyes in light-harvesting materials like DSSCs and photocatalysis, showcasing the importance of molecular design in creating efficient materials for various applications. [Extracted from the article]

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While the synthesis of nanographenes has advanced greatly in the past few years, development of their atomically precise functionalization strategies remains rare. The ability to modify the carbon scaffold translates to controlling, adjusting, and adapting molecular properties. Towards this end, here, we show that mechanochemistry is capable of transforming graphitization precursors directly into chlorinated curved nanographenes through a Scholl reaction. The halogenation occurs in a regioselective, high-yielding, and general manner. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations suggest that graphitization activates specific edge-positions for chlorination. The chlorine atoms allow for precise chemical modification of the nanographenes through a Suzuki or a nucleophilic aromatic substitution reaction. The edge modification enables modulation of material properties. Among the molecules prepared, corannulene-coronene hybrids and laterally fully π-extended helicenes, heptabenzo[5]superhelicenes, are particularly noteworthy. The synthesis of functionalizable nanographenes remains challenging. Here, the authors report that mechanochemical Scholl reaction allows access to regioselectively modifiable curved nanographenes in a high-yielding and general manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electrochemical synthesis of hetero[7]helicenes including pyrrole and furan rings has been established. A single electrochemical operation led to an oxidative heterocoupling and dehydrative cyclization sequence to afford oxaza[7]helicenes in 50–86% yields with 45–77% Faradic efficiencies. Their derivatization and chiroptical properties were also investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Helicenes combine two central themes in chemistry: extended π‐conjugation and chirality. Hetero‐atom doping preserves both characteristics and allows modulation of the electronic structure of a helicene. Herein, we report the (BO)2‐doped tetrathia[7]helicene 1, which was prepared from 2‐methoxy‐3,3′‐bithiophene in four steps. 1 is formally derived by substituting two (Mes)B−O moieties in place of (H)C=C(H) fragments in two benzene rings of the parent tetrathia[7]helicene. X‐ray crystallography revealed a dihedral angle of 50.26(9)° between the two terminal thiophene rings. The (P)‐/(M)‐1 enantiomers were separated by chiral HPLC and are configurationally stable at room temperature. The experimentally determined enantiomerization barrier of 27.4±0.1 kcal mol−1 is lower than that of tetrathia[7]helicene (39.4±0.1 kcal mol−1). The circular dichroism spectra of (P)‐ and (M)‐1 show a perfect mirror‐image relationship. 1 is a blue emitter (λem=411 nm) with a photoluminescence quantum efficiency of ΦPL=6 % (cf. tetrathia[7]helicene: λem≈405 nm, ΦPL=5 %). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perovskite solar cells have emerged as one of the most promising photovoltaic technologies for future clean energy sources to replace fossil fuels. Among the various components in a perovskite solar cell, the hole-transporting materials play significant roles in boosting device performance and stability. Recently, hole-transporting materials with helicene cores have received much attention due to their unique properties and ability to improve the performance and stability of the perovskite solar cells. The focus of this review is on the emerging special class of HTMs based on helicenes for perovskite solar cells. The optical, electrochemical, thermal and photovoltaic properties of helicene-based small molecules as HTMs or interfacial layer materials in n-i-p or p-i-n type perovskite solar cells are summarized. Finally, perspectives for the future development of helicene type hole-transporting materials are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the great progress in research on molecular carbons containing multiple helicenes around one core, realizing the stereoselectivity of carbons containing multiple helicenes around more cores is still a great challenge. Herein, molecular carbon C204 featuring 12‐fold [5]helicenes around four cores was successfully constructed by using nine perylene diimide (PDI) units, and exhibits good solubility and stability. Despite 256 possible stereoisomers caused by the 12‐fold [5]helicenes, we only obtained one pair of enantiomers with D3 symmetry. There are four possible pairs of enantiomers with D3 symmetry, namely 7A, 7B, 7C and 7D. Theoretical and experimental results verify that the obtained structure belongs to 7C, which has the lowest energy. The enantiomers can also be separated by chiral HPLC. These results suggest that choosing PDIs as building blocks can not only improve the solubility and stability but also realize the stereoselectivity and chirality of molecular carbons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Helicenes and helicene‐like molecules, usually containing multiple ortho‐fused aromatic rings, possess unique helical chirality. These compounds have found a wide range of important applications in many research fields, such as asymmetric catalysis, molecular recognition, sensors and responsive switches, circularly polarized luminescence materials and others. However, the catalytic enantioselective synthesis of helicenes was largely underexplored, when compared with the enantioselective synthesis of molecules bearing other stereogenic elements (e.g. central chirality and axial chirality). Since the pioneer work of asymmetric synthesis of helicenes via enantioselective [2+2+2] cycloaddition of triynes by Stará and Starý, last two decades have witnessed the tremendous development in the catalytic enantioselective synthesis of helicenes. In this review, we comprehensively summarized the advances in this field, which include methods enabled by both transition metal catalysis and organocatalysis, and provide our perspective on its future development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the vast development of stereochemistry it remains a great challenge to predict the fate of homochiral or heterochiral recognition in crystallization from racemic solution or melt. Using the well‐defined model system of racemic trioxaundecahelicene on a Cu(100) surface in ultrahigh vacuum, the chiral recognition of this heterohelicene has been investigated by means of state‐of‐the‐art scanning probe microscopy. The combination of scanning tunneling microscopy and tuning fork‐based non‐contact atomic force microscopy allowed assignment of the absolute configuration of single 7,12,17‐trioxa[11]helicene molecules in their two‐dimensional assemblies. At very low coverages, homochiral van der Waals‐bonded tetramers are observed. These also constitute the building blocks of the completely filled monolayer, which is a 2D conglomerate of homochiral domains. The interpretation of the adsorption geometries was supported by density‐functional theory calculations and molecular dynamics simulations, predicting a stronger interaction energy for homochiral structures over the heterochiral assembly. The striking similarity to heptahelicene on the same surface suggests that chiral recognition is dominated by the footprint interaction of the molecules with the metallic substrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dehydrohelicenes are some of the most attractive chiroptical materials with unique helical chirality. However, to our knowledge, there are no prior reports on their direct construction by asymmetric methods. In this work, sequential synthesis of aza-oxa-dehydro[7]helicenes via the electrochemical oxidative hetero-coupling of 3-hydoxycarbazoles and 2-naphthols followed by dehydrative cyclization and intramolecular C–C bond formation has been realized. In addition, an efficient enantioselective synthesis through chiral vanadium-catalyzed hetero-coupling and electrochemical oxidative transformations afforded heterodehydro[7]helicene without any racemization. The obtained dehydro[7]helicenes showed intense blue-colored circularly polarized luminescence (|glum| ≈ 2.5 × 10−3 at 433 nm). Thermodynamic and kinetic studies of the racemization barrier of heterodehydro[7]helicenes indicated significant chiral stability with ΔG‡> 140 kJ mol−1. Heterodehydrohelicenes exhibit attractive chiroptical properties, but their direct construction by asymmetric synthesis remains very challenging. Here, the authors report the electrochemical sequential synthesis of azaoxadehydro[7]helicenes from arenols through oxidative hetero-coupling followed by dehydrative cyclization and intramolecular C–C bond formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The polarizability of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is an important property that relates to their abundance in natural environments. To assess the differences in the mean polarizability of planar and non-planar polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), we computationally studied the PAH series of circulenes (kekulene C48H24, [13]circulene C52H26, and septulene C56H28), a number of the nearest helicenes, and their "expanded" isomers. We mean under "nearest" a close number of aromatic rings: 11 (C46H26), 12 (C50H28), 13 (C54H30), and 14 (C58H32). For these PAHs, we performed the quantum chemical calculations of thermodynamic and polarizability parameters with the PBE/3ζ density functional theory method, which is widely used in the theoretical chemistry of fullerenes and PAHs. The calculated mean polarizabilities (in Å3) ranged from 80.1 for [11]helicene to 135.5 for septulene, and while the circulenes and expanded helicenes had similar values, the mean polarizability of the normal helicenes was markedly lower. In all four pairs of helical PAHs, the expanded helicene was energetically considerably more favorable than its standard helicene isomer. Herewith, the ratio of their polarizabilities was equal to 1.3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Scholl reaction has been used to synthesize a variety of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, where 1,2-aryl shifts have sometimes occurred to yield unique rearrangement products. However, such 1,2-aryl shifts are often uncontrollable, and the selective and divergent synthesis with or without rearrangement is desired. Here, we achieved the control of the rearrangement in the Scholl reaction of carbazoles by changing the N-substituents. The Scholl reaction of 3,6-bis{2-(2-naphthyl)phenyl}carbazoles and 3,6-bis{2-(9-phenanthrenyl)phenyl}carbazoles with an N-benzyl group gave multiple azahelicenes via double rearrangement, while those with an N-benzoyl group gave aza[9]helicene and quadruple [4]helicene in the former and latter cases, respectively. The reaction mechanisms on the divergent reaction pathways were investigated by DFT calculations, which well supported the experimental results., (© 2025 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

The cutouts of graphene sheets, particularly those with a nonplanar topology, present vast opportunities for advancement. Even a slight deviation from the planar structure can lead to intriguing (chiro)optical features for helically twisted nanographenes. In this context, we introduce two regioisomeric π-extended nanographenes that exhibit distinct excited-state characteristics. The helicene structure and the photophysical features can be easily tuned by changing the connecting position of the nanographene to the carbazole core (2,7- and 3,6-). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the formation of nanographenes with bent and helical conformations. Both derivatives exhibited thermally activated delayed fluorescence at room temperature and phosphorescence at low temperatures. Notably, the nanographene with the bent structure displayed an impressive red afterglow lasting over 30 seconds, in contrast to the very weak afterglow observed in the helical structure. DFT calculations revealed the existence of an isoenergetic higher triplet state (T 8 ) and comparatively weak spin-orbit coupling (T 1 -S 0 ), thereby enabling the bent nanographene to exhibit a long-lived component and strong afterglow. Our findings highlight the significance of regioisomeric nanographenes with exceptional optical properties and offer a deeper understanding of the structure-property relationship in nonplanar nanographenes., (© 2025 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

A series of regioisomeric push–pull amino-nitro [6]helicenes and a related [7]helicene derivative were prepared and their racemates resolved into enantiomers. Compared to the parent helicenes, they exhibit red-shifted UV-Vis spectra, pronounced dipole moments, altered chiroptical properties such as remarkable optical rotatory power, and can form nanocrystalline Langmuir–Blodgett films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polar crystals have attracted interest for the applications to polar materials with piezo‐ and pyroelectricity, and second harmonic generation. Despite their potential utility for flexible polar materials, a strategy for ordering polar helicenes has remained elusive. Here, we demonstrate the creation of polar crystals with unsymmetrically substituted aza[5]helicenes tuned by substituents. The unsymmetric aza[5]helicenes have been prepared through regioselective mono‐protiodesilylations. We disclose that triisopropylsilyl‐substituted derivatives show 1D chain columnar packings. In particular, enantiopure crystals showed spontaneous polarization. Optical and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction experiments with other derivatives, as well as theoretical calculations, revealed that the presence of triisopropylsilyl or electron‐withdrawing aryl substituents is essential for forming the 1D chain columnar structure. Hirshfeld surface analyses further showed that CH‐π interactions between 1D chain columns regulate the polar assembly. Finally, we determined the polarizability of the nitro derivative by ab initio calculation to be 4.53 μC/cm2. This value corroborates the first example of a spontaneously polar crystal of helicenes. We believe that this study will contribute to the development of polar materials from organic molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis and characterization of laterally extended azabora[5]‐, ‐[6]‐ and ‐[7]helicenes, assembled from N‐heteroaromatic and dibenzo[g,p]chrysene building blocks is described. Formally, the π‐conjugated systems of the pristine azaborole helicenes were enlarged with a phenanthrene unit leading to compounds with large Stokes shifts, significantly enhanced luminescence quantum yields (Φ) and dissymmetry factors (glum). The beneficial effect on optical properties was also observed for helical elongation. The combined contributions of lateral and helical extensions resulted in a compound showing green emission with Φ of 0.31 and |glum| of 2.2×10−3, highest within the series of π‐extended azaborahelicenes and superior to emission intensity and chiroptical response of its non‐extended congener. This study shows that helical and lateral extensions of π‐conjugated systems are viable strategies to improve features of azaborole helicenes. In addition, single crystal X‐ray analysis of configurationally stable [6]‐ and ‐[7]helicenes was used to provide insight into their packing arrangements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the linear and second‐order nonlinear optical properties of the reported B,N‐embedded double hetero[7]helicene and four new designed helicenes are systematically investigated with the aid of density functional theory. This research demonstrates that the introduction of NH2 unit, combination of NH2 and NO2 units or π bridge reduces the energy gap, changes the HOMO distribution and red‐shifts low‐energy absorption wavelength. And the insertion of combination of NH2 and NO2 units or π bridge also remarkably increases the first hyperpolarizability. Considering the smaller electronic reorganization energy and the larger static first hyperpolarizability, the studied helicenes may be potential outstanding candidates for electronic transport materials and strong second‐order nonlinear optical materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present here the synthesis and in‐depth physicochemical characterization of a double hetero[7]helicene fused with four triazole rings at both helical ends. The comparison of this triazole‐fused double helicene with the previously reported all‐carbon and thiadiazole‐fused analogs revealed the huge impact of the embedded aromatic rings on the photophysical features. The small structural variation of the terminal rings from thiadiazole to triazole caused a dramatic change of the photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs) from <1 % to 96 %, while the replacement of the terminal benzene rings with triazole rings induced a tenfold enhancement of the circularly polarized luminescence dissymmetry factor. These observations were well corroborated with transient absorption analysis and/or theoretic calculations. In addition, the triazole‐fused double helicene exhibited ambipolar redox behavior, enabling the generation of radical cation and anion species by electrochemical and chemical methods and showing its potential for spin‐related applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chiral quinacridines react up to four times, step‐by‐step, with α‐diazomalonates under RuII and RhII catalysis. By selecting the catalyst, [CpRu(CH3CN)3][PF6] (Cp=cyclopentadienyl) or Rh2(oct)4, chemo and regioselective insertions of derived metal carbenes are achieved in favor of mono‐ or bis‐functionalized malonate derivatives, respectively, (r.r.>49 : 1, up to 77 % yield, 12 examples). This multi‐introduction of malonate groups is particularly useful to tune optical and chemical properties such as absorption, emission or Brønsted acidity but also cellular bioimaging. Density‐functional theory further elucidates the origin of the carbene insertion selectivity and also showcases the importance of conformations in the optical response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In essentially one‐pot, using Ir‐ and Pd‐catalysis, tris(arene)‐functionalized cationic [4]helicenes are synthesized with full regioselectivity and enantiospecificity starting from a trivial precursor (17 examples). This poly‐addition of aryl groups improves key optical properties, that is, fluorescence quantum yields and lifetimes. Electronic circular dichroism and circularly polarized luminescence signatures are observed up to the far‐red domain, in particular with additional arenes prone to aggregation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Double ortho -fusion in suitably substituted ortho -terphenyls was used for the synthesis of diaza[5]helicenes. Bis(carboxamido)-substituted ortho -terphenyls can be condensed to 5,9- and 6,9-diaza[5]helicenes, where substituents at the 6,10- and 5,10-positions, respectively-, are introduced with the carboxamido groups. While a twofold- coupling sequence with intermediate protection of one amino group has to be used for 5,9-diaza[5]helicenes, a more concise sequence avoiding the protection leads to 6,9-diaza[5]helicenes. The simple heating of ortho , ortho ′-diazidoterphenyls furnishes 5,8-dihydroindolo[2,3- c ]carbazoles, i.e., [5]helicenes with alternating benzene and pyrrole rings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the first helicene carbon nanoohop that integrates a [6]helicene into [7]cycloparaphenylene. The [6]helicene endows the helicene carbon nanohoop with chiroptical properties and configurational stability typical for higher helicenes, while the radially conjugated seven para‐phenylenes largely determine the optoelectronic properties. The structure of the helicene carbon nanoohop was unambiguously characterized by NMR, MS and X‐ray analysis that revealed that it possesses a topology of a Möbius strip in the solid state and in solution. The chirality transfers from the [6]helicene to the para‐phenylenes and leads to a pronounced circular dichroism and bright circularly polarized luminescence, which is affected by the structural topology of the nanohoop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Benzenoid hydrocarbons have regular structures, attracting the opportunity to test the structural descriptors of their series. In the present study, we compared information entropy, Wiener indices, topological efficiencies, topological roundness, and symmetries of oligoacenes, phenacenes, and helicenes. We found and discussed the mismatches between the descriptors and the symmetry of benzenoids. Among the studied series, helicenes demonstrate the parity effect when the information entropy and topological roundness form saw-like functions depending on the number of the member, odd or even. According to our quantum chemical calculations, this parity effect has no consequences for such molecular properties as molecular polarizability and frontier molecular orbital energies. Further, we demonstrated that the changes in the structural descriptors upon the chemical reactions of benzenoids could be used for the numerical description of chemical processes. Interestingly, the view of the information entropy reaction profile is similar to the energy profiles of chemical reactions. Herewith, the intermediate chemical compounds have higher information entropy values compared with the initial and final compounds, which reminisce the activation barrier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A photochemical pathway was developed for novel [6]helicenes. • Four helical architectures were obtained in good overall yields. • Photophysical properties of new helicenes were investigated experimentally. • The electrochemical gap values of [6]helicenes were found to be below 2.65 eV. • Simulations accurately replicate optical and chiroptical experimental data. Six-membered helicenes with specific functionalities were synthesized in good overall yields (40 %-73 %) through a concise photochemical method, allowing for their comprehensive characterization. The racemic mixtures were effectively resolved into their P - and M -enantiomers with high optical purity (97.56 %-100 % ee) by using chiral HPLC. This separation showcased remarkable optical activity, revealing substantial optical rotations (e.g., +2500–3000 for the (P)-enantiomer at λ = 589 nm) and notable electronic circular dichroism (ECD) signals. The organic helical species showed a strong absorption in the UV region and exhibited a red shifted emission, resulting in a quantum yield of 0.12–0.21. Moreover, they demonstrated irreversible one-electron oxidation and reduction processes, and their HOMO and LUMO energy levels were estimated via electrochemical methods. Utilizing DFT and TD–DFT computational approaches, we accurately predicted the electronic absorption and ECD spectra, as well as the frontier molecular orbitals (FMOs), aligning closely with experimental observations. Furthermore, in-depth analyses of absorption and ECD spectra, molecular electrostatic potential (MEP), and reduced density gradient (RDG) through quantum chemical calculations offered insights into the fundamental characteristics of these materials. The collective properties strongly indicate the potential application of these helicenes in electroluminescent and OLED devices, underscoring their promise as candidates in optoelectronic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, a hetero(S,N)‐quintuple [9]helicene (SNQ9H) molecule with an azacorannulene core was synthesized, currently representing the highest hetero‐helicene reported in the field of multiple [n]helicenes. X‐ray crystallography indicated that SNQ9H includes not only a propeller‐shaped conformer SNQ9H‐1, but also an unforeseen quasi‐propeller‐shaped conformer SNQ9H‐2. Different conformers were observed for the first time in multiple [n≥9]helicenes, likely owing to the doping of heteroatomic sulfurs in the helical skeletons. Remarkably, the ratio of SNQ9H‐1 to SNQ9H‐2 can be regulated in situ by the reaction temperature. Experimental studies on the photophysical and redox properties of SNQ9H and theoretical calculations clearly demonstrated that the electronic structures of SNQ9H depend on their molecular conformations. The strategy of introducing heteroatomic sulfurs into the helical skeleton may be useful in constructing various conformers of higher multiple [n]helicenes in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of helicenes with strong chiroptical response and controlled photophysics is highly desirable but challenging. In this work, double thia/sulfone[7]helicenes were synthesized to investigate the heteroatom effect on the photophysical and chiroptical properties of double heterohelicenes through comparison with the previously reported double oxa[7]helicene. By variation of the embedded heteroatoms from oxygen to sulfur, the absorption and emission were significantly red‐shifted, along with the improved luminescence dissymmetry factor (glum). In particular, the double sulfone[7]helicene exhibited strong red to near‐infrared (NIR) emission with glum of 1.1×10−3, suggesting its potential as a NIR circularly polarized luminescence emitter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient and versatile synthetic approach has been developed for the synthesis of large carboxy‐substituted polycyclic arenes. This strategy relies on Perkin reactions between arylacetic and arylglyoxylic acids for the formation of flexible precursors. A subsequent rigidification step, by catalyst‐ or light‐induced intramolecular cyclization reactions, then yields fully condensed polycyclic aromatic compounds. Protection and deprotection techniques have been developed to allow the controlled assembly of a large number of building blocks. This method can now be applied to the formation of planar or non‐planar, linear or macrocyclic species of various sizes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the straightforward one‐pot synthesis of novel 5‐ or 6‐membered P‐heterocycles featuring an internal ylidic bond: P‐containing acenaphthylenes and phenanthrenes. The stability of the compounds tolerates post‐functionalization through direct arylation to introduce electron‐rich/poor substituents and the synthetic strategy is also compatible with the preparation of more elaborate polyaromatic scaffolds such as acenes and helicenes. Using a joint experimental (X‐ray analysis, optical and redox properties) and theoretical approach, we perform a full structure–property relationships study on these new platforms. In particular, we show that molecular engineering allows not only tuning their absorption/emission across the entire visible range but also endowing them with chiroptical or non‐linear optical properties, making them valuable dyes for a large panel of photonic or opto‐electronic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, DFT computations revealed the mechanisms of the asymmetric catalytic reactions of diisopropylzinc with pyrimidylaldehyde catalyzed by 1- and 2-aza[6]helicenes, which make them effective inductors of the autocatalytic chiral amplification Soai reaction. The generation of chirality takes place through the formation of adducts of aldehyde and helicenes stabilized via non-covalent disperse interactions strictly defining the orientation of the aldehyde molecule in the corresponding transition state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[n]Helicenes are polycyclic aromatic molecules in which n ortho‐condensed benzene or other aromatic rings give rise to helical chiral and highly conjugated structures. The unique screw shape, helically extended π‐system and intriguing electronic and chirooptical properties of these molecules have attracted scientific interest for decades. The applications of helicenes have now expanded into several fields including material science, nanoscience, biochemistry, supramolecular and polymer chemistry. Despite the great theoretical and practical interest in helicenes, their synthesis remains a challenge. Among synthetic approaches to helicenes, alkyne cyclizations have great potential, since carbon‐rich high‐energy alkynes can form aromatic rings via cycloisomerizations. These processes are atom‐economic. In addition, alkyne reactions are highly favorable thermodynamically. This review focuses on alkyne‐based syntheses of carbo‐ and heterohelicenes (2000–2022). These syntheses are obviously multistage. In the review, they are systematized in terms of the key step leading to the formation of a helical shape. The methods are grouped into two categories: (a) metal‐free syntheses and (b) transition‐metal‐catalyzed syntheses. This division is very arbitrary, since catalytic Sonogashira and Suzuki‐Miyaura reactions and others are often used to prepare starting materials in the syntheses of the first group. Most of the publications on the topic are related to transition‐metal‐catalyzed syntheses of helicenes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lateral π‐extension of helicenes would yield interesting physical properties derived from the enhanced π‐stacking ability as well as intrinsic helical chirality. Here we report the regiodivergent synthesis of hexabenzocoronene (HBC)‐based [6]helicenes via cationic rhodium(I)/segphos complex‐mediated intramolecular [2+2+2] and [2+1+2+1] cycloadditions of triynes followed by Scholl reaction. The resulting HBC‐based [6]helicenes possess stable helical chirality but more planar structure than previously reported HBC‐based [7] and [9]helicenes. Therefore, these HBC‐based [6]helicenes exhibit π‐stacking‐induced chiral self‐recognition in solution, allowing the measurement of enantiomeric ratios by 1H NMR spectroscopy without any chiral additive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have discovered a dual (i. e., soft and hard) Lewis acidity of alumina that enables rapid one‐pot π‐extension through the activation of terminal alkynes followed by C−F activation. The tandem reaction introduces an acenaphthene fragment – an essential moiety of geodesic polyarenes. This reaction provides quick access to elusive non‐alternant polyarenes such as π‐extended buckybowls and helicenes through three‐point annulation of the 1‐(2‐ethynyl‐6‐fluorophenyl)naphthalene moiety. The versatility of the developed method was demonstrated by the synthesis of unprecedented structural fragments of elusive geodesic graphene nanoribbons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry was used to investigate the cation–π interaction of Tl+ with [7]helicene. Further, applying quantum mechanical calculations in the frame of the density functional theory, applying B3LYP functional with Def2TZVP basis set, the most probable structure of the [7]helicene–Tl+ complex was derived. In the resulting complex, the 'central' cation Tl+ is bounded between two terminal benzene rings of the parent [7]helicene ligand via cation–π interaction. In such conformation, the [7]helicene creates a tweezer for Tl+ ion. The interaction energy, E(int), of this cation–π complex was calculated to be –160 kJ/mol, which is consistent with the formation of the considered cationic complex species. Other structures were also found and generally lie energetically about 19–24 kJ/mol above the tweezer complex. HIGHLIGHTS Cation Tl+–[7]helicene complex has been observed using the ESI-MS method The structure of the resulting complex has been determined by applying quantum chemical DFT calculations Helicene functions as a chiral molecular tweezer for Tl+. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

7-Cyano-15-methoxy[6]helicene was synthesized, in 54% overall yield, through a short photochemical procedure including mild conditions and inexpensive reagents. The desired helical hexacyclic framework was characterized by $^{1}\mathrm{H}$ and $^{13}\mathrm{C}$ NMR and mass spectroscopies. Single crystals of the helicene were also obtained and an X-ray diffraction analysis is presented. Enantiomers of the helicene were obtained in 100% $ee$ after separation by chiral HPLC and their chiroptical properties were experimentally investigated from optical rotatory dispersion and electronic circular dichroism (ECD). UV–Vis absorption and fluorescence properties of the helicene were evaluated in solutions and a strong emission was noted in the blue region of the visible spectrum . Its electrochemical behavior was also experimentally examined and HOMO and LUMO energy levels were estimated, showing an electrochemical band gap of 2.11 eV. The results obtained herein are helpful to explain the interest of cyano and methoxy groups in making the new material a good candidate to be used in optoelectronic applications.

A facile synthesis of carbo- and heterohelicenes was achieved via tandem cycloaromatization of bisacetal precursors, which were readily prepared through C–C bond formation by Suzuki–Miyaura coupling. This cyclization was efficiently realized by a catalytic amount of trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (TfOH) in a cation-stabilizing solvent, 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoropropan-2-ol (HFIP), which readily allowed gram-scale syntheses of higher-order helicenes, double helical helicenes, and heterohelicenes.

The calculation of magnetic transition dipole moments and rotatory strengths was implemented at the zeroth‐order regular approximation (ZORA) two‐component relativistic time‐dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) level. The circular dichroism of the spin‐forbidden ligand‐field transitions of tris(ethylenediamine)cobalt(III) computed in this way agrees very well with available measurements. Phosphorescence dissymmetry factors glum and the corresponding lifetimes are evaluated for three N‐heterocyclic‐carbene‐based iridium complexes, two of which contain helicene moieties, and for two platinahelicenes. The agreement with experimental data is satisfactory. The calculations reproduce the signs and order of magnitude of glum , and the large variations of phosphorescence lifetimes among the systems. The electron spin contribution to the magnetic transition dipole moment is shown to be important in all of the computations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Azulene is a non‐benzenoid aromatic building block with unique chemical structure and physicochemical properties. By using the "bottom‐up" synthetic strategy, we synthesized three azulene‐embedded [n]helicenes ([n]AzHs, n=5, 6 and 7), in which one terminal azulene subunit was fused with n‐2 benzene rings. P‐ and M‐enantiomers were observed in the packing diagrams of [5]‐, and [6]AzHs. However, P‐ and M‐[7]AzHs could be isolated by recrystallization of the racemic mixture. These [n]AzHs were endowed with new properties through the azulene moiety such as low‐lying first electric state (S1), small optical energy gap and anti‐Kasha emission. [6]‐, and [7]AzHs exhibit strong chiroptical responses with high absorption dissymmetry factor (gabs) maxima of about 0.02, which is among the highest |gabs| values of helicenes in the visible range. These azulene‐embedded [n]helicenes contribute to the non‐benzenoid helicene library and allow the structure–property relationships to be better understood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybrid polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) consisting of helicene and acene domains, referred to as [7]heli‐D‐acenes, are introduced as scaffolds to generate enantiopure twisted acenes (heli‐twistacenes) by a torque, lock, and propagate (TLP) approach. Computational methods with and without dispersion corrections were used to explore the structural and electronic features of these PAHs and to explore the possible formation of twistomers that might complicate reaction mixtures. Syntheses of unsubstituted and disubstituted members of the [7]heli‐D‐acene series confirmed the viability of the TLP approach, and together with the computational results, provided proof‐of‐concept of this new approach as a viable means to generate enantiopure twisted‐acenes. The X‐ray structures, absorption, fluorescence, phosphorescence, and CD spectra of these first generation heli‐acenes are compared to the structure and photophysical properties of pentacene and [7]helicene. A high barrier for the enantio‐enriched M enantiomer of 19,24‐dicyano[7]heli‐D‐anthracene verified its configurational stability at room temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enantiopure helicene‐based bis(pyrazol‐1‐yl)pyridine (bpp‐[6]helicene), with the helicene unit in position 4 of the pyridine ring, have been prepared and structurally characterized. Their chiroptical properties have been studied experimentally, and both absorption and circular dichroism (CD) spectra have been reproduced theoretically by time‐dependent density functional theory (TDDFT). Remarkably, in spite of the remote localization of the helicene with respect to the coordination pocket of the bpp motif, chiral Eu(III) complexes based on these ligands show, however, circularly polarized luminescence in the visible region, sustained by TDDFT and CASSCF calculations, which also emphasize the possible antenna effect of the bpp ligand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Functionalization, namely the introduction of side groups onto the molecular scaffold of a helicene, may have either the purpose of modifying the electronic properties of the parent helicene, e.g., by adding electron-withdrawing or electron-donating groups, or the scope of providing the helicene with a "handle", which can be reacted to bind the molecule to another molecule or to a solid structure, such as a carbon or metal surface, or again to allow for complexation of the helicene with metal ions. The possible approaches are two-fold: the synthesis of the helicene can be performed using starting materials that already contain a side group, or the side group can be introduced after the synthesis of the parent helicene. As azahelicenes are helicenes bearing one or more nitrogen atom(s) in the molecular framework, parent azahelicenes can be functionalized on carbon atoms by exploiting the presence of the electron-withdrawing nitrogen atom. Moreover, they can be transformed into quaternary salts, whose properties are quite different from those of the parent azahelicenes in terms of the solubility and electronic properties. This review aims to provide a survey of the different synthetic methods available to attain this fascinating class of compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two novel π-expanded triple [5]helicenes containing three dibenzocoronene monoimide subunits have been synthesized and characterized. The helicenes exhibit low-energy conformational interconversions, as supported by NMR spectra. The single-crystal X-ray analysis reveals a C1 conformation in the solid state. Furthermore, the helicenes exhibit ambipolar transport characteristics in thin film transistors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enantioselective molecular recognition of chiral molecules that lack specific interaction sites for hydrogen bonding or Lewis acid–base interactions remains challenging. Here we introduce the concept of tailored chiral π‐surfaces toward the maximization of shape complementarity. As we demonstrate for helicenes it is indeed possible by pure van‐der‐Waals interactions (π–π interactions and CH–π interactions) to accomplish enantioselective binding. This is shown for a novel benzo[ghi]perylene trisimide (BPTI) receptor whose π‐scaffold is contorted into a chiral plane by functionalization with 1,1′‐bi‐2‐naphthol (BINOL). Complexation experiments of enantiopure (P)‐BPTI with (P)‐ and (M)‐[6]helicene afforded binding constants of 10 700 M−1 and 550 M−1, respectively, thereby demonstrating the pronounced enantiodifferentiation by the homochiral π‐scaffold of the BPTI host. The enantioselective recognition is even observable by the naked eye due to a specific exciplex‐type emission originating from the interacting homochiral π‐scaffolds of electron‐rich [6]helicene and electron‐poor BPTI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Helically twisted conductive nanocarbon materials are applicable to optoelectronic and electromagnetic molecular devices working on the nanometer scale. Herein, we report the synthesis of per-peri-perbenzo[5]- and [9]helicenes in addition to previously reported π-extended [7]helicene. The homogeneously π-extended helicenes can be regarded as helically fused oligo-phenanthrenes. The HOMO−LUMO gap decreased significantly from 2.14 to 1.15 eV with increasing helical length, suggesting the large effective conjugation length (ECL) of the π-extended helical framework. The large ECL of π-extended helicenes is attributed to the large orbital interactions between the phenanthrene subunits at the 9- and 10-positions, which form a polyene-like electronic structure. Based on the experimental results and DFT calculations, the ultrafast decay dynamics on the sub-picosecond timescale were attributed to the low-lying conical intersection. Helically twisted conductive nanocarbon materials are applicable to optoelectronic and electromagnetic molecular devices but the design of nanocarbons with an absorption edge in the low energy region is challenging. Here, the authors report the synthesis of a helically fused oligophenanthrenes and demonstrate an increased effective conjugation length leading to an absorption edge in the NIR region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tri‐ and tetra‐fluorinated [7]helicenes are photolabile and undergo a double fluorine atom transfer. Herein, we show that the transferred product further undergoes a skeletal transformation on silica gel. The transformation begins with activation of the allylic C−F bond on the silanol surface. Then, the resulting carbocation readily undergoes a regioselective nucleophilic aromatic substitution with water, depending on the position of the fluorine substituents. Hexafluoro‐2‐propanol also activated the allylic C−F bond and acted as a nucleophile. These findings support the generation of a highly reactive cationic electrophilic intermediate in the successive transformations involving fluorine atoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the concept of combining circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) and excited‐state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) features into a single molecule as a strategy to generate high‐performance ESIPT‐based CPL materials. For this purpose, a [6]helicene bearing two ESIPT structural units was synthesized using a double Suzuki–Miyaura reaction and a double C(sp2)−H hydroxylation approach. The photophysical properties of the doubly hydroxylated [6]helicene were studied in parallel with a non‐hydroxylated [6]helicene control compound, revealing that the presence of a chiral [6]helicene unit results in a strong CPL response and the presence of the ESIPT units in a considerable red shift. The red‐shifted emission along with the outstanding glum (≈10−2) and a large Stokes shift makes the doubly hydroxylated [6]helicene a promising candidate for use in optoelectronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on the synthesis of a novel class of functionalized thia[6]helicenes and a thia[5]helicene, containing a benzothiophene unit and a second heteroatom embedded in the helix (i.e., nitrogen and oxygen) or a pyrene or a spirobifluorene moiety. These systems are obtained through straightforward and general procedures that involve: (i) palladium-catalyzed annulation of iodo-atropoisomers with internal alkynes and (ii) Suzuki coupling of iodo-atropoisomers with phenyl boronic acid followed by a Mallory-type reaction. Both experimental and theoretical studies on the configurational stability of some selected thia[6]helicenes confirmed their stability toward racemization at room temperature, while the pyrene-based thia[5]helicene was found to be unstable. Moreover, the configuration assignment for one representative thiahelicene was established through the comparison between experimental and theoretical circular dichroism (CD) spectra. A systematic study of the photophysical properties of both thiahelicenes and the corresponding atropoisomers has been carried out to provide a complete overview on the new molecules proposed in this work. The obtained data showed regular trends in all the thiahelicene series with spectroscopic traits in line with those previously observed for similar heterohelicenes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first chiral helicene‐NHC gold(I) complexes efficient in enantioselective catalysis were prepared. The L‐shaped chiral ligand is composed of an imidazo[1,5‐a]pyridin‐3‐ylidene (IPy) scaffold laterally substituted by a configurationally stable [5]‐helicenoid unit. The chiral information was introduced in a key post‐functionalization step of a NHC‐gold(I) complex bearing a symmetrical anionic fluoreno[5]helicene substituent, leading to a racemic mixture of complexes featuring three correlated elements of chirality, namely central, axial and helical chirality. After HPLC enantiomeric resolution, X‐ray crystallography and theoretical calculations enabled structural and stereochemical characterization of these configurationally stable NHC‐gold(I) complexes. The high potential in asymmetric catalysis is demonstrated in the benchmark cycloisomerization of N‐tethered 1,6‐enynes with up to 95 : 5 er. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cationic triangulenes, and related helicenes, constitute a rich class of dyes and fluorophores, usually absorbing and emitting light at low energy, in the orange to red domains. Recently, to broaden the scope of applications, regioselective late‐stage functionalizations on these core moieties have been developed. For instance, with the introduction of electron‐donating groups (EDGs), important bathochromic shifts are observed pushing absorptions towards or in the near‐infrared (NIR) spectral domain while emissive properties disappear essentially completely. Herein, to upset this drawback, acetylene derivatives of cationic diazaoxa triangulenes (DAOTA) and [4]helicenes are prepared (16 examples). Contrary to other EDG‐functionalized derivatives, C≡C− functionalized products remain broadly fluorescent, with red‐shifted absorptions (Δλabs up to 25 nm) and emissions (Δλem up to 73 nm, ΦPL up to 51 %). Quite interestingly, a general dynamic stereoisomerism phenomenon is evidenced for the compounds derived from achiral DAOTA cores. At low temperature in 1H NMR spectroscopy (218 K), N−CH2 protons become diastereotopic with chemical shifts differences (Δδ) as high as +1.64 ppm. The signal coalescence occurs around 273 K with a barrier of ∼12 kcal mol−1. This phenomenon is due to planar chiral conformations (Sp and Rp configurations), induced by the geometry of the alkyl (n‐propyl) side‐chains next to the acetylenic substituents. Ion pairing studies with Δ‐TRISPHAT anion not only confirm the occurrence of the chiral conformations but evidence a moderate but definite asymmetric induction from the chiral anion onto the cations. Finally, DFT calculations offer a valuable insight on the geometries, the corresponding stereodynamics and also on the very large difference in NMR for some of the diastereotopic protons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]