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A new class of diaryl-hemithioindigo is presented as capable reversible photoswitches with enhanced structural elaboration and stimuli-responsive behavior. Multi-state and multi-stimuli addressability enable advanced molecular logic operations.

Archivists or museums often use “curiosity cabinets” to present certain collections – an apt unifying concept for this work, which combines a heretofore unknown metal/diazoalkane reactivity mode and a rare type of base-promoted ligand rearrangement.

For a variety of purposes, it is of interest to embed metals in cagelike

Reactions of Li+ [(η5 -C5 H5 )Re(NO)(PPh3 )]- with 2- and 4-chloroquinoline or 1-chloroisoquinoline give the corresponding σ quinolinyl and isoquinolinyl complexes 3, 6, and 8. With 3 and 8 there is further protonation to yield HCl adducts, but additions of KH give the free bases. Treatment of 3 with HBF4 ⋅OEt2 or H(OEt2 )2+ BArf- gives the quinolinium salts [(η5 -C5 H5 )Re(NO)(PPh3 )(C(NH)C(CH)4 C(CH)(CH))]+ X- (3-H+ X- ; X- =BF4- /BArf- , 94-98 %). Addition of CF3 SO3 CH3 to 3, 6, or 8 affords the corresponding N-methyl quinolinium salts. In the case of [(η5 -C5 H5 )Re(NO)(PPh3 )(C(NCH3 )C(CH)4 C(CH)(CH))]+ CF3 SO3- (3-CH3+ CF3 SO3- ), addition of CH3 Li gives the dihydroquinolinium complex (SRe RC ,RRe SC )-[(η5 -C5 H5 )Re(NO)(PPh3 )(C(NCH3 )C(CH)4 C(CHCH3 )(CH2 ))]+ CF3 SO3- ((SRe RC ,RRe SC )-5+ CF3 SO3- , 76 %) in diastereomerically pure form. Crystal structures of 3-H+ BArf- , 3-CH3+ CF3 SO3- , (SRe RC , RRe SC )-5+ Cl- , and 6-CH3+ CF3 SO3- show that the quinolinium ligands adopt Re⋅⋅⋅C conformations that maximize overlap of their acceptor orbitals with the rhenium fragment HOMO, minimize steric interactions with the bulky PPh3 ligand, and promote various π interactions. NMR experiments establish the Bronsted basicity order 3>8>6, with Ka (BH+ ) values >10 orders of magnitude greater than the parent heterocycles, although they remain less active nucleophilic catalysts in the reactions tested. DFT calculations provide additional insights regarding Re⋅⋅⋅C bonding and conformations, basicities, and the stereochemistry of CH3 Li addition.

Hexaarylbenzene (HAB) derivatives are versatile aromatic systems playing a significant role as chromophores, liquid crystalline materials, molecular receptors, molecular‐scale devices, organic light‐emitting diodes and candidates for organic electronics. Statistical synthesis of simple symmetrical HABs is known via cyclotrimerization or Diels–Alder reactions. By contrast, the synthesis of more complex, asymmetrical systems, and without involvement of statistical steps, remains an unsolved problem. Here we present a generally applicable synthetic strategy to access asymmetrical HAB via an atom‐economical and high‐yielding metal‐free four‐step domino reaction using nitrostyrenes and α,α‐dicyanoolefins as easily available starting materials. Resulting domino product—functionalized triarylbenzene (TAB)—can be used as a key starting compound to furnish asymmetrically substituted hexaarylbenzenes in high overall yield and without involvement of statistical steps. This straightforward domino process represents a distinct approach to create diverse and still unexplored HAB scaffolds, containing six different aromatic rings around central benzene core., A high yielding and scalable metal‐free four‐step linear domino reaction results in functionalized triarylbenzene (TAB) and opens the door for making a broad variety of synthetically challenging hexaarylbenzene (HAB) molecules with six different aryl groups.

We designed a straightforward synthetic route towards a full‐fledged family of π‐extended helicenes: superhelicenes. They have two hexa‐peri‐hexabenzocoronenes (HBCs) in common that are connected via a central five‐membered ring. By means of structurally altering this 5‐membered ring, we realized a versatile library of molecular building blocks. Not only the superhelicene structure, but also their features are tuned with ease. In‐depth physico‐chemical characterizations served as a proof of concept thereof. The superhelicene enantiomers were separated, their circular dichroism was measured in preliminary studies and concluded with an enantiomeric assignment. Our work was rounded‐off by crystal structure analyses. Mixed stacks of M‐ and P‐isomers led to twisted molecular wires. Using such stacks, charge‐carrier mobilities were calculated, giving reason to expect outstanding hole transporting properties., We present the synthesis and in‐depth physico‐chemical characterization of a family of π‐extended helicenes that consist of HBCs fused via different five‐membered rings. Despite being only a small part of the compounds, the nature of the five‐membered rings has a huge impact on the properties of the whole molecule. We show the enantiomeric separation and circular dichroism properties together with X‐ray analysis and charge transport calculations.

The crystal structures of four pentakis-tert-butyl hexa-peri-hexabenzocoronenes (HBCs), each with an additional sixth substituent namely iodide, methoxy, formyl, and nitro, are presented. We show that the additional substituent has a significant impact on the packing in the solid state and the data obtained can be utilised for crystal engineering. By introducing an electron accepting substituent it was possible to achieve columnar arrangements that were previously unknown for such highly tert-butylated HBCs. In this way we provide insight into the aggregation behaviour of nanographenes with sterically highly shielded edges.

Molecular photoswitches are indispensable tools for responsive chemical nanosystems and are nowadays used in virtually all branches of the natural sciences. Hemiindigo (HI) derivatives were recently introduced as potent photoswitches but full applicability was hampered by the limited possibilities for their functionalization and structural alteration. Here we report on a short and easy to diversify synthesis yielding fourfold double-bond substituted HIs. The resulting chromophores are shown to offer an advantageous property profile combining red-light responsiveness, high thermal bistability, strong isomer accumulations in both switching directions, and strong photochromism. With this progress a new structural realm has been opened up for HI photoswitches, that can now be synthetically tailored to highly advanced applications in e.g. molecular machines and multi-switching research, photoisomerization mechanism studies, or smart and addressable materials generation.

In this work we present the solution‐synthesis of pyridine analogues to hexa‐peri‐hexabenzocoronene (HBC)—which might be called superpyridines—via a novel precursor design. The key step in our strategy was the pre‐formation of the C−C bonds between the 3/3’ positions of the pyridine and the adjacent phenyl rings—bonds that are otherwise unreactive and difficult to close under Scholl‐conditions. Apart from the synthesis of the parent compound we show that classical pyridine chemistry, namely oxidation, N‐alkylation and metal‐coordination is applicable to the π‐extended analogue. Furthermore, we present basic physical chemical characterizations of the newly synthesized molecules. With this novel synthetic strategy, we hope to unlock the pyridine chemistry of nanographenes., An efficient Scholl oxidation to obtain pyridine HBCs is reported in this work. The concept is based on the pre‐formation of bonds at the otherwise unreactive 3/3’ positions of the pyridine. Post‐functionalization at the nitrogen atom by alkylation, oxidation, and coordination is demonstrated together with photophysical and electrochemical characterization of the obtained products.

Mn cage complexes are rare, and the ones successfully isolated in the solid state are not stable in water and organic solvents. Herein, we present the first report of mononuclear Mn clathrochelates, in which the encapsulated metal exists in the oxidation state +4. The complexes are extremely stable in the crystalline state and in solutions and show rich redox chemistry.

The synthesis of an unprecedented, π‐extended hexabenzocorene (HBC)‐based diaza[7]helicene is presented. The target compound was synthesized by an ortho‐fusion of two naphthalene diimide (NDI) units to a HBC‐skeleton. A combination of Diels–Alder and Scholl‐type oxidation reactions involving a symmetric di‐NDI‐tolane precursor were crucial for the very selective formation of the helical superstructure via a hexaphenyl‐benzene (HPB) derivative. The formation of the diaza[7]helicene moiety in the final Scholl oxidation is favoured, affording the symmetric π‐extended helicene as the major product as a pair of enantiomers. The separation of the enantiomers was successfully accomplished by HPLC involving a chiral stationary phase. The absolute configuration of the enantiomers was assigned by comparison of circular dichroism spectra with quantum mechanical calculations., Super naphthalene, super helix: A diaza[7]helicene was formed as the only isomer via the fusion of two naphthalene diimides (NDIs) to a hexabenzocorene (HBC) core, generating a fully conjugated superstructure with a wide lateral π‐extension of the inner heterohelix. The helical twist brings along an attractive spatial arrangement and affects the chemical and photophysical features. Isolation of the corresponding enantiomers was accomplished by HPLC on a chiral stationary phase and the absolute configurations were determined by comparison of their circular dichroism spectra with quantum mechanical calculations.

A new method for the preparation of isoxazolylvinyl ketones related to potential cytotoxic agents has been developed. In the first step, the reaction of furfuryl ketones with hydroxylamine hydrochloride affords the corresponding oximes. Further, the oxidative ring opening – ring closure reaction of oximes leads to isoxazoles with an α, β-unsaturated carbonyl motif. The developed procedure is metal-free and does not require expensive starting materials.

The mode of anticancer activity of simple ferrocenes often relies on their intracellular oxidation with the formation of cytotoxic ferrocenium species. The former compounds should be considered as ...

Pyrene‐based cyclophanes have been synthesized with the aim to realize a bellows‐type sensing mechanism for the ratiometric detection of nucleotide concentrations in a buffered aqueous solution. The sensing mechanism involves the encapsulation of a nucleobase between two pyrene rings, which affects the monomer‐excimer equilibrium of the receptor in the excited state. The nature of the spacer and its connection pattern to pyrene rings have been varied to achieve high selectivity for ATP. The 1,8‐substituted pyrene‐based cyclophane with the 2,2’‐diaminodiethylamine spacer demonstrates the best selectivity for ATP showing a 50‐fold increase in the monomer‐excimer emission ratio upon saturation with the nucleotide. The receptor can detect ATP within the biological concentrations range over a wide pH range. NMR and spectroscopic studies have revealed the importance of hydrogen bonding and stacking interactions for achieving a required receptor selectivity. The probe has been successfully applied for the real‐time monitoring of creatine kinase activity., Bellows‐type sensing mechanism: the effect of amine spacers in pyrene‐based cyclophanes has been studied to reveal best structures for ratiometic detection of ATP through a guest‐dependent monomer‐excimer equilibrium.

Within the past decade, tetraaryltetrabenzoporphyrins (TATBPs) have gained rising attention due to their potential in various fields of materials science and medicinal chemistry. However, this class of compounds still lacks in structural diversity, especially in the case of low-symmetrical compounds. Herein, mixed condensations were utilized to generate TATBPs with different substituents either in the

Cyclic tetraaryl[5]cumulenes (1 a-f) have been synthesized and studied as a function of increasing ring strain. The magnitude of ring strain is approximated by the extent of bending of the cumulenic core as assessed by a combination of X-ray crystallographic analysis and DFT calculations. Trends are observed in

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.

Molecular photoswitches that offer simultaneous precise control over geometrical and electronic changes are rare yet highly sought tools for the development of responsive nanosystems. Here we present such an advantageous combination of property control within a novel multiphotoswitch architecture. Hemithioindigo-based trioxobicyclononadiene (HTI-TOND) offers a rigid three-dimensional molecular structure that undergoes different exotic rearrangement reactions upon photochemical and thermal signaling. Three to four different states with distinct geometric and electronic properties can be accessed reversibly in high yields within this molecular framework. Thus, a highly promising and unique switching tool has become available to instill the next level of addressability at the smallest scales.

Cyclic tetraaryl[5]cumulenes (1a–f) have been synthesized and studied as a function of increasing ring strain. The magnitude of ring strain is approximated by the extent of bending of the cumulenic core as assessed by a combination of X-ray crystallographic analysis and DFT calculations. Trends are observed in 13C NMR, UV-vis, and Raman spectra associated with ring strain, but the effects are small. In particular, the experimental HOMO–LUMO gap is not appreciably affected by bending of the [5]cumulene framework from ca. 174° (lmax = 504 nm) in 1a to ca. 178° (lmax = 494 nm) in 1f.

The synthesis and extensive experimental (X‐ray crystallography, UV/Vis spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry) and theoretical (DFT calculations) characterization of two isomeric dithieno[b,f]phosphepines (DTPs) are presented herein. The relative orientation of the phosphepine and the thiophene moieties has a decisive impact on the electronic and structural properties of these compounds. Moreover, the thiophene units allow for a facile subsequent functionalization through direct Pd‐catalyzed C−H coupling, which renders DTPs highly promising building blocks for organophosphorus functional materials., Similar yet different: A series of isomeric thiophene‐fused phosphepines has been synthesized and the impact of different ring fusions on structural, photophysical, and redox properties in parent as well as π‐expanded derivatives has been studied.

Tetraaryltetrabenzoporphyrins (TATBPs) show, due to their optoelectronic properties, rising potential as dyes in various fields of physical and biomedical sciences. However, unlike in the case of porphyrins, the potential structural diversity of TATBPs has been explored only to little extent, owed mainly to synthetic hurdles. Herein, we prepared a comprehensive library of 30 TATBPs and investigated their fundamental properties. We elucidated structural properties by X‐ray crystallography and found explanations for physical properties such as solubility. Fundamental electronic aspects were studied by optical spectroscopy as well as by electrochemistry and brought in context to the stability of the molecules. Finally, we were able to develop a universal synthetic protocol, utilizing a readily established isoindole synthon, which gives TATBPs in high yields, regardless of the nature of the used arylaldehyde and without meticulous chromatographic purifications steps. This work serves as point of orientation for scientists, that aim to utilize these molecules in materials, nanotechnological, and biomedical applications., The underrepresented class of tetraaryltetrabenzoporphyrins (TATBPs) is investigated thoroughly by DFT calculations, X‐ray diffraction, optical spectroscopy, electro‐ and photochemical studies. Fundamental and unexpected insights were gained about structural and electronic properties of this compound class, which will advance the research around TATPBs based technologies, such as in materials and life sciences.

Hay oxidative cross coupling (O2/CuCl/TMEDA) of trans-(p-tol)(p-tol3P)2Pt(C≡C)2H (PtTC4H) and excess H(C≡C)2Si-i-Pr3 (TIPSC4H) gives PtTC8TIPS (55%). Subsequent addition of n-Bu4N+F– and repetition...

Heteroleptic alkaline earth metal (Ae = Ca, Sr, Ba) amide complexes with the superbulky β-diketiminate ligand DIPePBDI (CH[C(Me)N-DIPeP]2, DIPeP = 2,6-di-iso-pentylphenyl) have been prepared by dir...

The silylated hexatriynyl complex trans-(C6 F5 )(p-tol3 P)2 Pt(C≡C)3 SiEt3 (PtC6 TES) is converted in situ to PtC6 H (wet n-Bu4 N+ F- , THF) and cross coupled with the diyne H(C≡C)2 SiEt3 (HC4 TES; CuCl/TMEDA, O2 ) to give PtC10 TES (71 %). This sequence is repeated twice to afford PtC14 TES (65 %) and then PtC18 TES (27 %). An analogous series of reactions starting with PtC8 TES gives PtC12 TES (60 %), then PtC16 TES (43 %), and then PtC20 TES (17 %). Similar cross couplings with H(C≡C)2 Si(i-Pr)3 (HC4 TIPS) give PtC12 TIPS (68 %), PtC14 TIPS (68 %), and PtC16 TIPS (34 %). The trialkylsilyl species (up to PtC18 TES) are converted to 3+2 "click" cycloadducts or 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazoles trans-(C6 F5 )(p-tol3 P)2 Pt(C≡C)n-1 C=CHN(CH2 C6 H5 )N=N (29-92 % after workups). The most general procedure involves generating the terminal polyynes PtCx H (wet n-Bu4 N+ F- , THF) in the presence of benzyl azide in DMF and aqueous CuSO4 /ascorbic acid. All of the preceding complexes are crystallographically characterized and the structural and spectroscopic properties analyzed as a function of chain length. Two pseudopolymorphs of PtC20 TES are obtained, both of which feature molecules with parallel sp carbon chains in a pairwise head/tail packing motif with extensive sp/sp van der Waals contacts.

The ability of a series of bridged triarylamines, so‐called N‐heterotriangulenes, to form multilayer‐type 2D‐extended films via a solution‐based processing method was examined using complementary microscopic techniques. We found that the long‐range order, crystallinity, and layer thickness decisively depend on the nature of the substituents attached to the polycyclic backbone. Owing to their flat core unit, compounds exhibiting a carbonyl unit at the bridge position provide a superior building block as compared to thioketone‐bridged derivatives. In addition, nature and length of the peripheral substituents affect the orientation of the aromatic core unit within highly crystalline films. Hence, our results stress the significance of a suitable molecular framework and provide deeper understanding of structure formation in 2D‐confined surroundings for such compounds., Towards layered organic electronics: The in‐plane and out‐of‐plane alignment as well as the morphology of solution‐processed N‐heterotriangulene films is found to depend on the nature of the bridge and peripheral substituents attached to the core unit. Spectromicroscopic characterization allows for the understanding of structure formation under 2D‐confined conditions and illustrates the significance of a customizable molecular framework for well‐defined layered systems.

Hexaarylbenzene (HAB) derivatives are versatile aromatic systems playing a significant role as chromophores, liquid crystalline materials, molecular receptors, redox materials, organic light-emitting diodes and photochemical switches. Statistical synthesis of simple symmetrical HABs is known via low-yielding cyclotrimerization or Diels-Alder reactions. By contrast, the synthesis of more complex, asymmetrical systems, and without involvement of statistical steps, remains an unsolved problem. Here we present a generally applicable synthetic strategy to access asymmetrical HAB via an atom-economical and high-yielding metal-free four-step domino reaction using nitrostyrenes and α,α-dicyanoolefins as easily available starting materials. Resulting domino product – functionalized triarylbenzene (TAB) - can be used as a key starting compound to furnish asymmetrically substituted hexaarylbenzenes in high overall yield and without involvement of statistical steps. This straightforward domino process represents a distinct approach to creating diverse and still unexplored HAB scaffolds, containing six different aromatic rings around central benzene core.

The extension of the aromatic π‐system of porphyrins is a powerful method to alter their optoelectronic properties. Herein, aryl substituents were fused to porphyrin cores by Scholl oxidation reactions that selectively produced mono‐ and doubly‐fused porphyrins in yields of up to 69 %. Several different aryl substituents attached to the porphyrin were investigated with respect to their reactivity under Scholl conditions. The fused products were fully characterized, i.e., by UV/Vis absorption spectroscopy, which showed drastic changes in the electronic features. Insight into the solid‐state behavior was obtained by X‐ray crystallography. Our approach represents a novel option for the late‐stage functionalization of porphyrin‐based compounds.

Previous reports in the literature describe that the crystallization of hexaphenyl carbodiphosphorane (CDPPh) from a variety of solvents gives a “bent” geometry for the P–C–P moiety as the solid-st...