Reversible Carbon-Carbon Bond Breaking and Spin Equilibria in Bis(pyrimidinenorcorrole)

Metal-Tuned Ligand Reactivity Enables CX2 (X = O, S) Homocoupling with Spectator Cu Centers

Ligand non-innocence is ubiquitous in catalysis with ligands in synthetic complexes contributing as electron reservoirs or co-sites for substrate activation. The latter chemical non-innocence is manifested in H+ storage or relay at sites beyond the metal primary coordination sphere. Reaction of a competent CO2-to-oxalate reduction catalyst, namely, [K(THF)3](Cu3SL), where L3- is a tris(β-diketiminate) cyclophane, with CS2 affords tetrathiooxalate at long reaction times or at high CS2 concentrations, where otherwise an equilibrium is established between the starting species and a complex-CS2 adduct in which the CS2 is bound to the C atom on the ligand backbone. X-ray diffraction analysis of this adduct reveals no apparent metal participation, suggesting an entirely ligand-based reaction controlled by the charge state of the cluster. Thermodynamic parameters for the formation of the aforementioned Cligand-CS2 bond were experimentally determined, and trends with cation Lewis acidity were studied, where more acidic cations shift the equilibrium toward the adduct. Relevance of such an adduct in the reduction of CO2 to oxalate by this complex is supported by DFT studies, similar effects of countercation Lewis acidity on product formation, and the homocoupled heterocumulene product speciation as determined by isotopic labeling studies. Taken together, this system extends chemical non-innocence beyond H+ to effect catalytic transformations involving C-C bond formation and represents the rarest example of metal-ligand cooperativity, that is, spectator metal ion(s) and the ligand as the reaction center.

Advent and features of pyriporphyrinoids: an overview of a pyridine-based porphyrin analogue

Pyriporphyrinoids have recently attracted a significant proliferation of attention due to their versatile characters, which stem from structural motifs in which the pyridine moiety is involved. The evolution of pyriporphyrin chemistry revealed the subtle modifications of the macrocyclic core that tweak the electronic structure as compared to the parental macrocycle. The amendment of π-electronic organization inside the core manifests exceptional photophysical and coordination properties that cover a vast range of seemingly contradictory fields. In fundamental chemistry, the pyridine unit acts as a modulator of π-conjugated porphyrinoid systems, resulting in aromaticity swapping. From the applied chemistry perspective, these macrocycles are primarily utilized as (i) sensors, (ii) NIR absorbing photoacoustic dyes, (iii) electrochemical catalysts, (iv) singlet biradicaloid generation and (v) contributors to generate metal complexes with intriguing binding modes. Surprisingly, despite their prominence, pyriporphyrinoids are inadequately investigated, while pyridine unit-embedded calixphyrin, calixpyridinopyrrole and calixpyridine are barely reported. This review article illustrates the controlled formation of specific porphyrinic scaffolds with pyridine unit(s) and diverse functionalized heterocyclic and/or carbocyclic building block(s), and demonstrates a substantial influence on the macrocyclic properties.

Oxidative insertion of amines into conjugated macrocycles: transformation of antiaromatic norcorrole into aromatic azacorrole

A new group of aromatic porphyrinoids was obtained by an oxidative insertion of primary amines into the antiaromatic ring of 5,14-dimesityl-norcorrolatonickel(II) activated by iodosobenzene. The substituted 10-azacorroles thus formed were characterized by spectroscopic and electrochemical methods, and XRD analysis. Protonated forms of azacorroles were shown to remain aromatic despite disconnection of the original π-electron delocalization path.

Direct observation of reversible bond homolysis by 2D EXSY NMR

Bond homolysis is one of the most fundamental bond cleavage mechanisms. Thus, understanding of bond homolysis influences the development of a wide range of chemistry. Photolytic bond homolysis and its reverse process have been observed directly using time-resolved spectroscopy. However, direct observation of reversible bond homolysis remains elusive. Here, we report the direct observation of reversible Co–Co bond homolysis using two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance exchange spectroscopy (2D EXSY NMR). The characterization of species involved in this homolysis is firmly supported by diffusion ordered NMR spectroscopy (DOSY NMR). The unambiguous characterization of the Co–Co bond homolysis process enabled us to study ligand steric and electronic factors that influence the strength of the Co–Co bond. Understanding of these factors will contribute to rational design of multimetallic complexes with desired physical properties or catalytic activity.

We report the first direct observation of reversible bond homolysis using EXSY NMR. This study revealed that electron donating groups weaken the Co–Co bond.

Determinant Factors of Three-Dimensional Aromaticity in Antiaromatic Cyclophanes

Three-dimensional aromaticity arising from the close stacking of two antiaromatic π-conjugated macrocycles has recently received considerable attention. Here, a cyclophane consisting of two antiaromatic Ni(II) norcorrole units tethered with two flexible alkyl chains was synthesized. The norcorrole cyclophane showed crystal polymorphism providing three different solid-state structures. Surprisingly, one of them adopted an aligned face-to-face stacking arrangement with negligible displacement along the slipping axis. Although the exchange repulsion between two π-clouds should be maximized in this orientation, the π-π distance is remarkably close (3.258 Å). Three-dimensional aromaticity in this conformation has been supported experimentally and theoretically as evidenced by small bond length alternations as well as the presence of a diatropic ring current. An analogous cyclophane with two aromatic Ni(II) porphyrin units was prepared for comparison. The porphyrin cyclophane exhibited a slipped-stacking conformation with a larger displacement (2.9 Å) and a larger interplanar distance (3.402 Å) without noticeable change of the aromaticity of each porphyrin unit. In solution, the norcorrole cyclophane forms a twist stacking arrangement with effective interplanar orbital overlap and exists in an equilibrium between stacked and nonstacked structures. Thermodynamic parameters of the stacking process were estimated, revealing an inherently large attractive interaction operating between two norcorrole units, which has been further supported by energy decomposition analysis.

Synthesis and Properties of an 18π Aromatic Norcorrole P(V) Complex

[16]Norcorrole is an antiaromatic ring-contracted porphyrinoid. Here, we show that the phosphorus insertion of the free-base [16]norcorrole switches its antiaromaticity to aromaticity. The treatment of a free-base meso-dimesityl[16]norcorrole with phosphorus tribromide in pyridine afforded an [18]norcorrole P(V) complex, which exhibited porphyrin-like absorption and fluorescence spectra. The phosphorus center adopted a distorted tetragonal pyramidal coordination geometry. The distinct aromatic nature of the [18]norcorrole P(V) complex was corroborated both experimentally and theoretically.

Reductive Coupling of (Fluoro)pyridines by Linear 3d-Metal(I) Silylamides of Cr-Co: A Tale of C-C Bond Formation, C-F Bond Cleavage and a Pyridyl Radical Anion

Herein, we disclose the facile reduction of pyridine (and its derivatives) by linear 3d-metal(I) silylamides (M=Cr-Co). This reaction resulted in intermolecular C-C coupling to give dinuclear metal(II) complexes bearing a bridging 4,4'-dihydrobipyridyl ligand. For iron, we demonstrated that the C-C coupling is reversible in solution, either directly or by reaction with substrates, via a presumed monomeric metal(II) complex bearing a pyridyl radical anion. In the course of this investigation, we also observed that the dinuclear metal(II) complex incorporating iron facilitated the isomerisation of 1,4-cyclohexadiene to 1,3-cyclohexadiene as well as equimolar amounts of benzene and cyclohexene. Furthermore, we synthesised and structurally characterised a non-3d-metal-bound pyridyl radical anion. The reactions of the silylamides with perfluoropyridine led to C-F bond cleavage with the formation of metal(II) fluoride complexes of manganese, iron and cobalt along with the homocoupling or reductive degradation of the substrate. In the case of cobalt, the use of lesser fluorinated pyridines led to C-F bond cleavage but no homocoupling. Overall, in this paper we provide insights into the multifaceted behaviour of simple (fluoro)pyridines in the presence of moderately to highly reducing metal complexes.

From Antiaromatic Norcorrolatonickel(II) to Aromatic and Nonaromatic Zwitterions: Innocent Ligands with Unbalanced Charge of the Core

A three-component reaction of antiaromatic meso-mesityl-3-nitronorcorrolatonickel(II) 1-NO₂ with dialkyl acetylenedicarboxylate and PBu₃ yields aromatic zwitterionic corrole nickel(II) complexes 3-R with one of the meso-substituents comprising a positively charged tributyl phosphonium group and negatively charged coordination core. Reaction of 1-NO₂ with PBu₃ alone resulted in a nonaromatic chiral adduct 5 of a zwitterionic phlorine character with a −PBu₃⁺ group at a pyrrole β-position.

Nucleophilic Aromatic Substitution (SNAr) and Related Reactions of Porphyrinoids: Mechanistic and Regiochemical Aspects

The nucleophilic substitution of aromatic moieties (SNAr) has been known for over 150 years and found wide use for the functionalization of (hetero)aromatic systems. Currently, several "types" of SNAr reactions have been established and notably the area of porphyrinoid macrocycles has seen many uses thereof. Herein, we detail the SNAr reactions of seven types of porphyrinoids with differing number and type of pyrrole units: subporphyrins, norcorroles, corroles, porphyrins, azuliporphyrins, N-confused porphyrins, and phthalocyanines. For each we analyze the substitution dependent upon: a) the type of nucleophile and b) the site of substitution (α, β, or meso). Along with this we evaluate this route as a synthetic strategy for the generation of unsymmetrical porphyrinoids. Distinct trends can be identified for each type of porphyrinoid discussed, regardless of nucleophile. The use of nucleophilic substitution on porphyrinoids is found to often be a cost-effective procedure with the ability to yield complex substituent patterns, which can be conducted in non-anhydrous solvents with easily accessible simple porphyrinoids.

Friedel–Crafts acylation of antiaromatic norcorroles: electronic and steric modulation of the paratropic current

The first ever Friedel–Crafts acylation of an antiaromatic macrocycle was performed for norcorrolatonickel(ii) reacting with aromatic or aliphatic carboxylic acid chlorides in the presence of AlCl₃.

PtCl2 mediated peripheral transformation of carbatriphyrin(3.1.1) into a meso-fused β-β' dimer and its monomer analogue

An unprecedented formation of a meso-fused β-β' carbaporphyrin dimer and its monomer with a keto group was described. These analogues were synthesized from carbatriphyrin(3.1.1.) by a metal assisted strategy using PtCl2 salt in a single step without any prefunctionalized precursors. Upon dimerization, the monomeric ligand with a dianionic core is transformed into a dimeric structure with unique trianionic cores.

Expanded N-Confused Phlorin: A Platform for a Multiply Fused Polycyclic Ring System via Oxidation within the Macrocycle

Novel interrupted π-conjugated macrocycles derived from expanded porphyrinoids were synthesized, and their unique reactivity was investigated in this work. The specific porphyrin analogs, so-called phlorins and isoporphyrins, possess a meso-sp³ methylene moiety, showing inner 3NH and 1NH pyrrolic cores, respectively, and extended near-infrared (NIR) absorption. Expanded N-confused pentapyrrolic phlorin analog 1 bears an interrupted cyclic π-conjugated system that is featured by a distinct higher HOMO and a lower LUMO. Oxidation of 1 allowed structural transformations through the expanded isoporphyrin-like species 2. One of the representative products is a spiro-carbon-bridged multiply N-fused product 3 comprising a fused [5.6.5.7.6.5]-hexacyclic ring obtained by oxidation with 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-p-benzoquinone. When magic blue was used as the oxidant, an aromatic N-confused pentaphyrin 4 was obtained via migration of one of the meso-phenyl groups to the β-position of the neighboring pyrrolic ring. By employing the flexible cavity of 1 for metal coordination, Pd(II) complexation occurred with a specific meso oxygenation to give a bimetallic complex 5. In contrast to the rich oxidation reactions, reduction of 1 with NaBH₄ resulted in the regioselective nucleophilic hydrogen substitution reaction at the para position of one of the meso-C₆F₅ groups. These results provide a practical approach for synthesizing novel interrupted or aromatic π-conjugated frameworks showing NIR absorptions.

Reactions of Antiaromatic Norcorrole Ni(II) Complex with Carbenes

Norcorrole is a ring-contracted porphyrinoid, exhibiting distinct antiaromaticity. Herein, we report the reactions of meso-dimesitylnorcorrole Ni(II) complex with two types of carbenes: dichlorocarbene and an N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC). The reaction with in-situ-generated dichlorocarbene resulted in the double insertion of two chloromethine units to provide a mixture of 5,15-dichloroporphyrin and chlorinated isopyricorroles. The nucleophilic NHC attacked the 3-position of the norcorrole core and the subsequent proton transfer furnished a nonconjugated macrocycle incorporating a diazafulvene segment.

Cyclophane-Type Chlorin Dimers from Dynamic Covalent Chemistry of 2,18-Porphyrinyl Dicyanomethyl Diradicals

2,18-Bis(dicyanomethyl)-substituted Ni^II porphyrin 8 and Zn^II porphyrin 11 were prepared and subjected to oxidation with PbO₂ in CH₂ Cl₂ at 298 K to give cyclophane-type chlorin dimers (9)₂ and (12)₂ as a consequence of double recombination of biradicals 9 and 12, respectively. Dimer (9)₂ takes a syn-conformation of two distorted Ni^II chlorins but (12)₂ takes an anti-conformation of relatively planar Zn^II chlorins. At 298 K, dimer (9)₂ is stable and its ¹ H NMR spectrum is sharp but becomes broad at high temperature, while the ¹ H NMR spectrum of (12)₂ is considerably broad even at 298 K but becomes sharper at low temperature. These results indicate that the chlorin dimers dissociate to radical species, but the activation barrier of the dissociation of (12)₂ is much less than that of (9)₂ . The involvement of diradicals in dynamic covalent chemistry has been suggested by thermal scrambling of hetero dimer (16)₂ to give homo dimers (9)₂ and (15)₂ .

Aromatic Nanosandwich Obtained by σ-Dimerization of a Nanographenoid π-Radical

A 139-π-electron nanographenoid radical was obtained by expanding the periphery of a naphthalimide–azacoronene hybrid with a methine bridge. The radical was isolated in the form of its σ-dimer, which was shown to possess a conformationally restricted two-layer structure both in the solid state and in solution. The dimer is cleaved into its parent radicals when exposed to ultraviolet or visible radiation in toluene solutions but is resistant to thermally induced dissociation. Under inert conditions, the radicals recombine quantitatively into the σ-dimer with observable kinetics, but they are oxidized into a ketone derivative in the presence of atmospheric oxygen. Combined structural, spectroscopic, and theoretical evidence shows that the σ-dimer contains a weak C(sp³)–C(sp³) bond, but is stabilized against thermal dissociation by a very strong dispersive interaction between the overlapping π surfaces.

Bis(imino)pyrazine-Supported Iron Complexes: Ligand-Based Redox Chemistry, Dearomatization, and Reversible C-C Bond Formation

Iron complexes supported by novel π-acidic bis(imino)pyrazine (P^PzDI) ligands can be functionalized at the nonligated nitrogen atom, and this has a marked effect on the redox properties of the resulting complexes. Dearomatization is observed in the presence of cobaltocene, which reversibly reduces the pyrazine core and not the imine functionality, as observed in the case of the pyridinediimine-ligated iron analogues. The resulting ligand-based radical is prone to dimerization through the formation of a long carbon-carbon bond, which can be subsequently cleaved under mild oxidative conditions.

Metal-free insertion of sulfur dioxide with aryl iodides under ultraviolet irradiation: direct access to sulfonated cyclic compounds

Metal-free insertion of sulfur dioxide with aryl iodides and silyl enolates or allylic bromide under ultraviolet irradiation at room temperature is accomplished. This protocol provides a convenient route to sulfonated cyclic compounds under mild conditions.

Visible-light-induced anti-Markovnikov hydrosulfonation of styrene derivatives

A visible-light-induced anti-Morkovnikov hydrosulfonation reaction of styrene derivatives with sodium sulfinates has been developed, featuring mild reaction conditions, good functional-group tolerance, good yields and high regioselectivity.

A copper-catalyzed insertion of sulfur dioxide via radical coupling

A copper-catalyzed reaction of O-acyl oximes, DABCO·(SO₂)₂, and 2H-azirines is developed under mild conditions, leading to diverse tetrasubstituted β-sulfonyl N-unprotected enamines with excellent stereoselectivity and regioselectivity.

Recent advances in the direct β-C(sp2)–H functionalization of enamides

Recent advances in the direct β-C(sp²)–H functionalization of enamides, mainly including arylation, alkenylation, alkynylation, alkylation, acylation, sulfonylation, phosphorylation, and others, are reported.

Photoinduced synthesis of 2-sulfonylacetonitriles with the insertion of sulfur dioxide under ultraviolet irradiation

Metal-free insertion of sulfur dioxide with aryl iodides and 3-azido-2-methylbut-3-en-2-ol under ultraviolet irradiation at room temperature is achieved, giving rise to 2-(arylsulfonyl)acetonitriles in moderate to good yields. Alkyl iodide is also workable under these conditions. This transformation proceeds smoothly under mild conditions with a broad substrate scope. Various functional groups are compatible including amino, ester, halo, and trifluoromethyl groups. No metal catalyst or additive is needed during the reaction process. Mechanistic studies show that under ultraviolet irradiation, an aryl radical is generated in situ from aryl iodide, which undergoes subsequent sulfonylation via the insertion of sulfur dioxide leading to arylsulfonyl radical intermediates. Then the arylsulfonyl radical reacts with 3-azido-2-methylbut-3-en-2-ol giving rise to the corresponding 2-(arylsulfonyl)acetonitrile.

Copper-catalyzed synthesis of sulfonamides from nitroarenes via the insertion of sulfur dioxide

A three-component reaction of arylboronic acids, nitroarenes, and potassium metabisulfite under copper catalysis proceeds smoothly, giving rise to a range of sulfonamides in good to excellent yields with broad substrate scope.

Facile and versatile access to substituted hexabenzoovalene derivatives: characterization and optoelectronic properties

We describe the design and modular synthesis of a library of substituted hexabenzoovalene derivatives (SHBO), along with the key precursor dinaphthopyrenes (3), highlighting the influence of a wide array of substituent variation on the photophysical properties via UV-vis absorption, fluorescence spectra and electrochemical methods. The results show that the cyclized hexabenzoovalenes present a stronger spectroscopic red-shift than the corresponding dinaphthopyrenes. X-ray diffraction analysis suggests that intermediate 3hx containing two nitro groups forms a trans-configuration with twisted structures. Our systematic investigation might provide a realistic design strategy to construct large one-dimensional and two-dimensional materials via bottom-up approaches.

Stable radical versus reversible σ-bond formation of (porphyrinyl)dicyanomethyl radicals

(Porphyrinyl)dicyanomethyl radicals were produced by oxidation of dicyanomethyl-substituted porphyrins with PbO2. These radicals constitute a rare example displaying stable radical versus dynamic covalent chemistry (DCC) depending upon the substitution position of the dicyanomethyl radical. meso-Dicyanomethyl-substituted radicals exist as stable monomeric species and do not undergo any dimerization processes either in the solid state or in solution. In contrast, β-dicyanomethyl-substituted radicals are isolated as σ-dimers that are stable in the solid-state but display reversible σ-dimerization behavior in solution; monomeric radical species exist predominantly at high temperatures, while σ-dimerization is favoured at low temperatures. This dynamic behaviour has been confirmed by variable-temperature 1H NMR, UV-vis and EPR measurements. The structures of the stable radical and σ-dimer have been revealed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The observed different reactivities of the two (porphyrinyl)dicyanomethyl radicals have been rationalized in terms of their spin delocalization behaviours.

Photoredox-Catalyzed Sulfonylation of O-Acyl Oximes via Iminyl Radicals with the Insertion of Sulfur Dioxide

A multicomponent sulfonylation of O-acyl oximes via iminyl radicals with the insertion of sulfur dioxide under photoredox catalysis is achieved. This multicomponent reaction of O-acyl oximes, potassium metabisulfite, alkenes, and nucleophiles under visible-light irradiation is efficient, giving rise to a range of sulfones in moderate to good yields. A broad reaction scope is presented with good functional group compatibility.

Photoredox-catalyzed hydrosulfonylation reaction of electron-deficient alkenes with substituted Hantzsch esters and sulfur dioxide

A sulfonylation reaction of 4-substituted Hantzsch esters, DABCO·(SO₂)₂, and electron-deficient alkenes at room temperature in the presence of photoredox catalysis under visible light irradiation is described.

An unexpected reaction of aryldiazonium tetrafluoroborates, sodium metabisulfite, and thiourea under photoinduced conditions

A photoinduced synthesis of S-aryl thiosulfonates through a three-component reaction of aryldiazonium tetrafluoroborates, sodium metabisulfite, and thiourea is achieved. In this transformation, a radical coupling pathway is proposed.

Synthesis of β-hydroxysulfones through a copper(ii)-catalyzed multicomponent reaction with the insertion of sulfur dioxide

A copper(ii)-catalyzed aerobic oxidative reaction of arylhydrazines, DABCO·(SO₂)₂ and alkenes is reported. Diverse β-hydroxysulfones are generated in moderate to good yields through the hydroxysulfonylation of alkenes with the insertion of sulfur dioxide under mild conditions. In some cases, β-ketosulfones are produced.

Combinatorial synthesis and biological evaluations of (E)-β-trifluoromethyl vinylsulfones as antitumor agents

Combinatorial synthesis of (E)-β-trifluoromethyl vinylsulfones is accomplished through a reaction of alkynes, Togni reagent, and sodium benzenesulfinates in DMSO under metal-free conditions at room temperature. These compounds are evaluated in several assays against different tumor cells. Some hits are identified against ES-2, HO-8910, and K562.

(E)-β-Trifluoromethyl vinylsulfones is accomplished through a reaction of alkynes, Togni reagent, and sodium benzenesulfinates under metal-free conditions. p-Acetylphenyl in R¹ has the best activities against several tumor cells.

Metal-catalyzed radical-type transformation of unactivated alkyl halides with C–C bond formation under photoinduced conditions

Recent advances in the metal-catalyzed radical-type transformation of unactivated alkyl halides with C–C bond formation under photoinduced conditions are summarized. Usually, a broad reaction scope is observed including tertiary, secondary, and primary alkyl halides, with good functional group compatibility.

Photoredox-catalyzed sulfonylation of alkenylcyclobutanols with the insertion of sulfur dioxide through semipinacol rearrangement

A photoredox-catalyzed sulfonylation of alkenylcyclobutanols with the insertion of sulfur dioxide through semipinacol rearrangement under visible light irradiation is developed.

Reaction of antiaromatic porphyrinoid with active methylene compounds

Antiaromatic norcorrolatonickel(ii) reacts regioselectively under basic conditions with active methylene compounds, yielding mono-substituted derivatives in which spectroscopic and redox properties of the starting macrocycle are retained.

Theoretical Study on Open-Shell Singlet Character and Second Hyperpolarizabilities in Cofacial π-Stacked Dimers Composed of Weak Open-Shell Antiaromatic Porphyrins

From the analysis based on the broken-symmetry density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we in this study propose a strategy to enhance the open-shell characters and third-order nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of π-stacked dimers composed of antiaromatic molecules with weak open-shell characters. For this purpose, we here constructed cofacial π-stacked dimer models composed of aromatic and antiaromatic Ni^II porphyrins in order to examine the π-π stacking distance (R) dependence of the diradical characters (y) and static second hyperpolarizabilities (γ). The antiaromatic porphyrin dimers are found to have intermediate y around R∼3.3 Å, the result of which originates in the unique intermolecular interactions between the antiaromatic monomers. Static γ along the stacking direction of such antiaromatic porphyrin dimers with intermediate diradical characters are shown to be enhanced significantly as compared to those of the isolated monomers and the aromatic porphyrin dimers.

Rational Synthesis of Antiaromatic 5,15-Dioxaporphyrin and Oxidation into β,β-Linked Dimers

5,15-Dioxaporphyrin was synthesized for the first time by a nucleophilic aromatic substitution reaction of a nickel bis(α,α'-dibromodipyrrin) complex with benzaldoxime, followed by an intramolecular annulation of the α-hydroxy-substituted intermediate. This unprecedented molecule is a 20π-electron antiaromatic system, in terms of Hückel's rule of aromaticity, because lone pair electrons of oxygen atoms are incorporated into the 18π-electron conjugated system of the porphyrin. A theoretical analysis based on the gauge-including magnetically induced current method confirmed its antiaromaticity and a dominant inner ring pathway for the ring current. The unique reactivity of 5,15-dioxaporphyrin forming a β,β-linked dimer upon oxidation was also revealed.

Selectfluor-Mediated Benzo[d][1,2,3]Triazole Functionalisation of 4,4-Difluoro-4-Bora-3a,4a-Diaza-s-Indacene

8-Aryl-1-(1 H-benzo[ d][1,2,3]triazole-yl)-4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza- s-indacene and 8-aryl-3,5-di-(1 H-benzo[ d][1,2,3]triazole-yl)-4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza- s-indacene derivatives were synthesised by the reaction of 4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza- s-indacene with benzo[ d][1,2,3]triazole in the presence of Selectfluor in moderate to good yields. The reaction took placed regioselectively on the 3(5)-position carbon of 4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza- s-indacene, which was confirmed by X-ray analysis.

Porphyrinoids as a platform of stable radicals

The non-innocent ligand nature of porphyrins was observed for compound I in enzymatic cycles of cytochrome P450. Such porphyrin radicals were first regarded as reactive intermediates in catabolism, but recent studies have revealed that porphyrinoids, including porphyrins, ring-contracted porphyrins, and ring-expanded porphyrins, display excellent radical-stabilizing abilities to the extent that radicals can be handled like usual closed-shell organic molecules. This review surveys four types of stable porphyrinoid radical and covers their synthetic methods and properties such as excellent redox properties, NIR absorption, and magnetic properties. The radical-stabilizing abilities of porphyrinoids stem from their unique macrocyclic conjugated systems with high electronic and structural flexibilities.