Synthesis and characteristic stereostructure of a biphenanthryl ether

A biphenanthryl ether with substituents in the bay regions was efficiently synthesized for the first time. The unique stereostructure of 1 was clarified. Its twisted conformation and optical behavior as well as its characteristic supramolecular helical structure, which is constructed through a C–H⋯F hydrogen bonding network in the solid state, are discussed.