A Hybrid of Corannulene and Azacorannulene: Synthesis of a Highly Curved Nitrogen-Containing Buckybowl

Synthesis, Structures, and Properties for PIII-Doped Hetero-Buckybowls and Their Phosphonium Salts

Doping polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with heteroatoms enables manipulation of their electronic structures. Herein, the structures and properties of phosphorus (P) doped heterosumanenes (HSEs) are regulated by varying the valence states of P-dopant. The phosphine sulfide (PV) and chalcogens (S, Se, Te) co-doped HSEs (1-3) are reduced to trivalent phosphorus (PIII) doped analogues 4-6. Then, the PIII-dopants on 4-6 are converted to phosphonium salts (R4P+), giving 7-9. The valence states of P-dopant show great influence on molecular geometries and electronic structures. Taking P and S co-doped HSEs as example, bowl-depths increase in the order of 1 (PV)<7 (R4P+)<4 (PIII), and the HOMO energy levels and HOMO-LUMO gaps increase to be 7<1<4. Consistent with the theoretical calculation, the first oxidation potentials decrease and the absorption/emission bands show blue shift from 7 to 1 to 4. The transformation of PV to PIII leads to large variations on the coordination with Ag+, owing to the alteration of coordination site from P=S to PIII. The phosphonium salts show ring-opening of phosphole rings under electrochemical reduction. It is found that chalcogen atoms play pivotal roles on coordination patterns of coordination complexes and the conversion rates of ring-opening reactions.

Spiro-Buckybowls: Synthesis and Selective Transformations Toward Chiral and Nonlinear Optical Polycycles

Integration of spirocycles with buckybowls is a promising strategy to construct three-dimensional (3D) curved π-systems and to endow distinctive physicochemical features arising from buckybowls. Herein, a series of carbon-bridged spiro-type heterosumanenes (spiro-HSEs) were synthesized by combining 9,9'-spirobifluorene and dichalcogenasumanenes (DCSs). It is found that spiro-conjugation plays an important role in the geometric and electronic structures of spiro-HSEs. The bowl depth of DCSs moiety becomes larger in the spiro-HSEs. Owing to the Jahn-Teller (J-T) effect, two DCSs segments of spiro-HSEs have different bowl depths accompanied with the unequal distribution of charge in radical cation state. Taking advantage of the typical reactions of DCSs, selective transformations of spiro-HSEs have been adopted in accordance to the nature of chalcogen atoms (S, Se, Te) to bestow the value-added functionalities. The emissive property is enhanced by converting the thiophene rings of S-doped spiro-HSE into thiophene S,S-dioxides. A chiroptical polycycle could be produced by ring-opening of the edge benzene of Se-doped spiro-HSE. The covalent adduct of Te-doped spiro-HSE with Br2 forms non-centrosymmetric halogen-bonded networks, resulting in the high performance second-order nonlinear optics (NLO).

Formation of Nitrogen-Doped Positively Curved Molecules by π-Extension

Two nitrogen-doped positively curved aromatic molecules bearing doubly fused pentagonal rings were synthesized and characterized. Crystallographic analysis confirms the formation of a bowl-shaped structure, which is induced by the fusion of adjacent pentagons to the rigid aromatic planes. Both compounds demonstrate good photoluminescence. These electron-rich bowl-shaped molecules can associate with C60 to form complexes in 2:1 ratio in toluene with different association constants depending on the molecular dimension of the hosts.

Extended Quinolizinium-Fused Corannulene Derivatives: Synthesis and Properties

Reported here is the design and synthesis of a novel class of extended quinolizinium-fused corannulene derivatives with curved geometry. These intriguing molecules were synthesized through a rationally designed synthetic strategy, utilizing double Skraup-Doebner-Von Miller quinoline synthesis and a rhodium-catalyzed C-H activation/annulation (CHAA) as the key steps. Single-crystal X-ray analysis revealed a bowl depth of 1.28-1.50 Å and a unique "windmill-like" shape packing of 12a(2PF6-) due to the curvature and incorporation of two aminium ions. All of the newly reported curved salts exhibit green to orange fluorescence with enhanced quantum yields (Φf = 9-13%) and improved dispersibility compared to the pristine corannulene (Φf = 1%). The reduced optical energy gap and lower energy frontier orbital found by doping extended corannulene systems with nitrogen cations was investigated by UV-vis, fluorescence, and theoretical calculations. Electrochemical measurements reveal a greater electron-accepting behavior compared with that of their pyridine analogues. The successful synthesis, isolation, and evaluation of these curved salts provide a fresh perspective and opportunity for the design of cationic nitrogen-doped curved aromatic hydrocarbon-based materials.

Cycl[2,2,4]azine-embedded non-alternant nanographenes containing fused antiaromatic azepine ring

The development of non-alternant nanographenes has attracted considerable attention due to their unique photophysical properties. Herein, we reported a novel aza-doped, non-alternant nanographene (NG) 1 by embedding the cycl[2,2,4]azine unit into the benzenoid NG framework. Single-crystal X-ray diffractometry suggests saddle or twisted nonplanar geometry of the entire backbone of 1 and coplanar conformation of the cycl[2,2,4]azine unit. DFT calculation together with solid structure indicates that NG 1 possesses significant local antiaromaticity in the azepine ring. By oxidative process or trifluoroacetic acid treatment, this nanographene can transform into a mono-radical cation, which was confirmed by UV/Vis absorption, 1H NMR, and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. The antiaromaticity/aromaticity switching of the azepine ring on 1˙+ from 1 enables the high stability of this radical cation, which remained intact for over 1 day. Due to the electron-donating nature of the nitrogen and the unique electronic structure, NG 1 exhibits strong electron-donating properties, as proved by the intermolecular charge transfer towards C60 with a high association constant. Furthermore, selective modification of NG 1 was accomplished by Vilsmeier reaction, and the derivatives 7 and 8 with substituted benzophenone were obtained. The photophysical and electronic properties can be tuned by the introduction of different electronic groups in benzophenone.

Buckybowl and its chiral hybrids featuring eight-membered rings and helicene units

Here we report the synthesis of a novel buckybowl (7) with a high bowl-to-bowl inversion barrier (ΔG‡ = 38 kcal mol-1), which renders the rate of inversion slow enough at room temperature to establish two chiral polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). By strategic fusion of eight-membered rings to the rim of 7, the chiral hybrids 8 and 9 are synthesized and display helicity and positive and negative curvature, allowing the enantiomers to be configurationally stable and their chiroptical properties are thoroughly examined. Computational and experimental studies reveal the enantiomerization mechanisms for the chiral hybrids and demonstrate that the eight-membered ring strongly affects the conformational stability. Because of its static and doubly curved conformation, 9 shows a high binding affinity towards C60. The OFET performance of 7-9 could be tuned and the hybrids show ambipolar characteristics. Notably, the 9·C60 cocrystal exhibits well-balanced ambipolar performance with electron and hole mobilities of up to 0.19 and 0.11 cm2 V-1 s-1, respectively. This is the first demonstration of a chiral curved PAH and its complex with C60 for organic devices. Our work presents new insight into buckybowl-based design of PAHs with configurational stability and intriguing optoelectronic properties.

Diverse Synthesis of 2H-Isoindole-Based Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds

1,3-Disubstituted N-aryl-2H-isoindoles have been synthesized by a cascade reaction of divinyl ethers, which are derived from easily available 4-bromoisocoumarins, with substituted anilines in HFIP. This cascade reaction consists of a ring-opening step through addition-elimination mechanism and the following 5-exo-tet type ring-closing step via the intramolecular nucleophilic substitution reaction. Thus obtained 2H-isoindoles have been derivatized to high-order nitrogen-containing polycycles including less accessible benzo[a]ullazines.

Extension of Non-alternant Nanographenes Containing Nitrogen-Doped Stone-Thrower-Wales Defects

Non-alternant topologies have attracted considerable attention due to their unique physiochemical characteristics in recent years. Here, three novel topological nanographenes molecular models of nitrogen-doped Stone-Thrower-Wales (S-T-W) defects were achieved through intramolecular direct arylation. Their chemical structures were unambiguously elucidated by single-crystal analysis. Among them, threefold intramolecular direct arylation compound (C42 H21 N) is the largest nanographene bearing a N-doped non-alternant topology to date, in which the non-benzenoid rings account for 83 % of the total molecular skeleton. The absorption maxima of this compound was located in the near-infrared region with a long tail up to 900 nm, which was much longer than those reported for similarly sized N-doped nanographene with six-membered rings (C40 H15 N). In addition, the electronic energy gaps of these series compounds clearly decreased with the introduction of non-alternant topologies (from 2.27 eV to 1.50 eV). It is noteworthy that C42 H21 N possesses such a low energy gap (Eg opt =1.40 eV; Eg cv =1.50 eV), yet is highly stable under ambient conditions. Our work reported herein demonstrates that the non-alternant topology could significantly influence the electronic configurations of nanocarbons, where the introduction of a non-alternanting topology may be an effective way to narrow the energy gap without extending the molecular π-conjugation.

Synthesis and Properties of 5-Azaullazines

5-Azaullazines, indolizino[6,5,4,3-ija][1,5]naphthyridines, and their benzo-fused analogues were prepared in three steps by combination of Pd catalyzed cross-coupling reactions with Brønsted acid mediated cycloisomerisations. The reaction tolerates various substitution patterns and functional groups and proceeds in high yields. Optical and electrochemical properties of selected products were studied experimentally and by DFT calculations.

Trichalcogenasupersumanenes and its concave-convex supramolecular assembly with fullerenes

Synthesis of buckybowls have stayed highly challenging due to the large structural strain caused by curved π surface. In this paper, we report the synthesis and properties of two trichalcogenasupersumanenes which three chalcogen (sulfur or selenium) atoms and three methylene groups bridge at the bay regions of hexa-peri-hexabenzocoronene. These trichalcogenasupersumanenes are synthesized quickly in three steps using an Aldol cyclotrimerization, a Scholl oxidative cyclization, and a Stille type reaction. X-ray crystallography analysis reveals that they encompass bowl diameters of 11.06 Å and 11.35 Å and bowl depths of 2.29 Å and 2.16 Å for the trithiasupersumanene and triselenosupersumanene, respectively. Furthermore, trithiasupersumanene derivative with methyl chains can form host-guest complexes with C₆₀ or C₇₀, which are driven by concave-convex π ⋯ π interactions and multiple C-H ⋯ π interactions between bowl and fullerenes.

π-Extended Pyrrole-Fused Heteropine: Synthesis, Properties, and Application in Organic Field-Effect Transistors

Sulfur-embedded polycyclic aromatic compounds have been used as building blocks for numerous organic semiconductors over the past few decades. While the success is based on thiophene-containing compounds, aromatic compounds that contain thiepine, a sulfur-containing seven-membered-ring arene, has been less well investigated. Here we report the synthesis and properties of π-extended pyrrole-fused heteropine compounds such as thiepine and oxepine. A π-extended pyrrole-fused thiepine exhibited a "pitched π-stacking" structure in the crystal, and exhibited a high charge carrier mobility of up to 1.0 cm²  V^-1  s^-1 in single-crystal field-effect transistors.

The strength and selectivity of perfluorinated nano-hoops and buckybowls for anion binding and the nature of anion-π interactions

Perfluorinated cycloparaphenylenes (F-[n]CPP, n = 5-8), boron nitride nanohoop (F-[5]BNNH), and buckybowls (F-BBs) were proposed as anion receptors via anion-π interactions with halide anions (Cl^- , Br^- and I^- ), and remarkable binding strengths up to -294.8 kJ/mol were computationally verified. The energy decomposition approach based on the block-localized wavefunction method, which combines the computational efficiency of molecular orbital theory and the chemical intuition of ab initio valence bond theory, was applied to the above anion-π complexes, in order to elucidate the nature and selectivity of these interactions. The overall attraction is mainly governed by the frozen energy component, in which the electrostatic interaction is included. Remarkable binding strengths with F-[n]CPPs can be attributed to the accumulated anion-π interactions between the anion and each conjugated ring on the hoop, while for F-BBs, additional stability results from the curved frameworks, which distribute electron densities unequally on π-faces. Interestingly, the strongest host was proved to be the F-[5]BNNH, which exhibits the most significant anisotropy of the electrostatic potential surface due to the difference in the electronegativities of nitrogen and boron. The selectivity of each host for anions was explored and the importance of the often-overlooked Pauli exchange repulsion was illustrated. Chloride anion turns out to be the most favorable anion for all receptors, due to the smallest ionic radius and the weakest destabilizing Pauli exchange repulsion.

Synthesis and Late-Stage Diversification of BN-Embedded Dibenzocorannulenes as Efficient Fluorescence Organic Light-Emitting Diode Emitters

We report the synthesis and late-stage diversification of a new class of hetero-buckybowl, BN-embedded dibenzocorannulenes (B₂ N₂ -DBCs). The synthesis is achieved via one-shot halogenative borylation, comprising the nitrogen-directed haloboration of alkyne and an intramolecular bora-Friedel-Crafts reaction, which provides BN-embedded dibenzocorannulene possessing two bromo substituents (B₂ N₂ -DBC-Br). B₂ N₂ -DBC-Br undergoes diversification via coupling reactions to provide a variety of arylated derivatives (B₂ N₂ -DBC-R), exhibiting strong blue fluorescence. An organic light-emitting diode (OLED) employing one of the derivatives as an emitter exhibited a high external quantum efficiency of 6.6 % and long operational lifetime of 907 h at an initial luminance of 1000 cd m^-2 , indicating the significant potential for the development of efficient and stable hetero-buckybowl-based OLED materials.

Synthesis of a π-Extended Azacorannulenophane Enabled by Strain-Induced 1,3-Dipolar Cycloaddition

The first example of a cyclophane bearing a nitrogen-containing buckybowl was synthesized via sequential 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition and palladium-catalyzed intramolecular cyclization. The key to the successful synthesis is the strain-induced 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of a polycyclic aromatic azomethine ylide to the K-region of [7](2,7)pyrenophane. The resulting π-extended azacorannulenophane exhibits intriguing structural and physical properties, including unique variation of bowl depth, extraordinarily high-field chemical shifts in its ¹ H NMR spectrum, a decreased HOMO-LUMO gap, and a red shift in the absorption/emission spectrum, when compared to those of the parent azacorannulene. These characteristics are derived from both the π-extension to the polycyclic aromatic system in the cyclophane structure and the increased curvature enforced by the seven-carbon aliphatic chain.

Fully conjugated azacorannulene dimer as large diaza[80]fullerene fragment

A fully conjugated azacorannulene dimer with a large π-surface (76π system) was successfully synthesized from a fully conjugated bifunctional polycyclic aromatic azomethine ylide. This molecule represents an example of diaza[80]fullerene (C78N2) fragment molecule bearing two internal nitrogen atoms. X-ray crystallography analysis shows its boat-shaped structure with two terminal azacorannulenes bent in the same direction. The molecular shape leads to unique selective association with a dumbbell-shaped C60 dimer (C120) over C60 through shape recognition. Owing to its large π-surface and a narrow HOMO–LUMO gap, the azacorannulene dimer exhibits red fluorescence with a quantum yield of up to 31%. The utilization of the fully conjugated bifunctional azomethine ylide is a powerful method for the bottom-up synthesis of large multiazafullerene fragments, providing a step towards the selective total synthesis of multiazafullerenes.

Recent Advances in Heterocyclic Nanographenes and Other Polycyclic Heteroaromatic Compounds

This review surveys recent progress in the chemistry of polycyclic heteroaromatic molecules with a focus on structural diversity and synthetic methodology. The article covers literature published during the period of 2016-2020, providing an update to our first review of this topic (Chem. Rev. 2017, 117 (4), 3479-3716).

1,3-Dipolar cycloaddition of azomethine ylides and imidoyl halides for synthesis of π-extended imidazolium salts

A new synthetic approach to π-extended imidazolium salts is developed based on 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of polycyclic aromatic azomethine ylides with imidoyl chlorides in the presence of cesium fluoride as a key additive.

Synthesis and Properties of Aza-Ovalene with Six Zigzag Edges

Ovalene's nitrogenated derivative with all zigzag edges and nitrogen atom doping at the periphery has been developed via one-step nitrogenation of formylbisanthene. Because of nitrogen incorporation, these molecules show greatly decreased highest occupied molecular orbital levels, enhanced intermolecular interactions, and a reversible acid response. Aza-ovalene also exhibits a diatropic ring current along the periphery. This work provides rare examples of all-zigzag-edged N-polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

Five-Fold Symmetric Pentaindolo- and Pentakis(benzoindolo)Corannulenes: Unique Structural Dynamics Derived from the Combination of Helical and Bowl Inversions

Peripherally π-extended corannulenes bearing quintuple azahelicene units, 10 and 11, were prepared and their dynamic behaviors were studied experimentally and theoretically. The fused corannulenes were synthesized from sym-pentabromocorannulene in three steps. X-Ray diffraction analysis for 10 displayed a conformer possessing a P(M) bowl chirality and a PPMPM (PMPMM) helical chirality, which was found to be the most stable conformer(s). Variable-temperature NMR measurements of 10 and 11 revealed that their structural isomers can be interconvertible in solution, depending on the steric congestion around the helical scaffolds. Automated search for conformers in the equilibrium and transition states by Artificial Force Induced Reaction (AFIR) method revealed their interconversion networks, including bowl-inversion and helical-inversion. This analysis indicated that the co-existing corannulene and azahelicene moieties influence the conformational dynamics, which leads to mitigation of the activation energy barriers for isomerization.

Pyrrole-Embedded Linear and Helical Graphene Nanoribbons

Linear and helical graphene nanoribbons (L-PyGNR and H-PyGNR) bearing electron-rich pyrrole units have been synthesized by using the photochemical cyclodehydrochlorination (CDHC) reaction. The pyrrole units in the polymer backbone make the polymer electron-rich with moderate bandgap values and relatively high HOMO energy levels. The planarization of the pyrrole unit through cyclization yields a bandgap value almost 0.5 eV lower than that measured for polypyrrole. Conductivity values in the thin film up to 0.12 S/cm were measured for the chemically oxidized L-PyGNR (four-point method). Both GNRs showed excellent fluorescence sensing properties for TNT in solution with K_SV values up to 6.4 × 10⁶ M^-1.

Bowl-Shaped Pentagon- and Heptagon-Embedded Nanographene Containing a Central Pyrrolo[3,2-b]pyrrole Core

A bowl-shaped nitrogen-doped nanographene composed of a pyrrolo[3,2-b]pyrrole core substituted with six arene rings circularly bonded with one another has been prepared via a concise synthetic strategy encompassing the multicomponent tetraarylpyrrolopyrrole (TAPP) synthesis, the Scholl reaction, and intramolecular direct arylation. This synthesis represents the first case of programmed sequential intramolecular direct arylation reactions utilizing the different reactivity of C-Br and C-Cl bonds. The target compound contains two central pentagons confined between two adjacent heptagons-the inverse Stone-Thrower-Wales topology. The presence of both five- and seven-membered rings in the final structure is responsible for interesting properties such as a perpendicularly aligned dipole moment, absorption and fluorescence in the orange-red region, weak emission originating from the charge-transfer character of a low-energy absorption band, and a high lying HOMO. In the solid state slipped convex-to-convex π-π stacking dominates.

Synthesis and derivatization of hetera-buckybowls

Buckybowls have concave and convex surfaces with distinct π-electron cloud distribution, and consequently they show unique structural and electronic features as compared to planar aromatic polycycles. Doping the π-framework of buckybowls with heteroatoms is an efficient scheme to tailor inherent properties, because the nature of heteroatoms plays a pivotal role in the structural and electronic characteristics of the resulting hetera-buckybowls. The design, synthesis, and derivatization of hetera-buckybowls open an avenue for obtaining fascinating organic entities not only of fundamental importance but also of promising applications in optoelectronics. In this review, we summarize the advances in hetera-buckybowl chemistry, particularly the synthetic strategies toward these scaffolds.

Effect of Fusion Manner of Concave Molecules on the Properties of Resulting Nanoboats

A boat-shaped compound, which can be viewed as the fusion of two concave molecules with crossed quinacridone and indolocarbazole throughout, was synthesized and characterized. The investigation determined that the fusion manner of two concave molecules has little influence on the molecular curvature and aromaticity when compared with its congener containing crossed indolocarbazole throughout. The situation of carbonyl groups is critical in adjusting the electronic structure and physicochemical properties due to the fixed position of nitrogen atoms.

Modulating the properties of buckybowls containing multiple heteroatoms

Nitrogen-centered buckybowls with sulfur decoration at the rim were synthesized and characterized. The buckybowls demonstrate tunable properties depending on the state of the sulfur atom.

An Isosteric Triaza Analogue of a Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Monkey Saddle

Since a few years, the interest in negatively-curved fused polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) has significantly increased. Recently, the first chiral negatively-curved PAH with the topology of a monkey saddle was introduced. Herein the synthesis of its triaza congener is reported. The influence of this CH↔N exchange on photophysical and electrochemical properties is studied as well as the isomerization process of the enantiomers. The aza analogue has a significantly higher inversion barrier, which makes it easier to handle at room temperature. All experimental results are underpinned by theoretical DFT calculations.

Synthetic Tailoring of Graphene Nanostructures with Zigzag-Edged Topologies: Progress and Perspectives

Experimental and theoretical investigations have revealed that the chemical and physical properties of graphene are crucially determined by their topological structures. Therefore, the atomically precise synthesis of graphene nanostructures is essential. A particular example is graphene nanostructures with zigzag-edged structures, which exhibit unique (opto)electronic and magnetic properties owing to their spin-polarized edge state. Recent progress in the development of synthetic methods and strategies as well as characterization methods has given access to this class of unprecedented graphene nanostructures, which used to be purely molecular objectives in theoretical chemistry. Thus, clear insight into the structure-property relationships has become possible as well as new applications in organic carbon-based electronic and spintronic devices. In this Minireview, we discuss the recent progress in the controlled synthesis of zigzag-edged graphene nanostructures with different topologies through a bottom-up synthetic strategy.

Of Twists and Curves: Electronics, Photophysics, and Upcoming Applications of Non-Planar Conjugated Organic Molecules

Non-planar conjugated organic molecules (NPCOMs) contain π-conjugation across their length and also exhibit asymmetry in their conformation. In other words, certain molecular fragments in NPCOMs are either twisted or curved out of planarity. This conformational asymmetry in NPCOMs leads to non-uniform charge-distribution across the molecule, with important photophysical and electronic consequences such as altered thermodynamic stability, chemical reactivity, as well as materials properties. Majorly, NPCOMs can be classified as having either Fused or Rotatable architectures. NPCOMs have been the focus of significant scientific attention in the recent past due to their exciting photophysical behavior that includes intramolecular charge-transfer (ICT), thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) and long-lived charge-separated states. In addition, they also have many useful materials characteristics such as biradical character, semi-conductivity, dynamic conformations, and mechanochromism. As a result, rational design of NPCOMs and mapping their structure-property correlations has become imperative. Researchers have executed conformational changes in NPCOMs through a variety of external stimuli such as pH, temperature, anions-cations, solvent, electric potential, and mechanical force in order to tailor their photophysical, optoelectronic and magnetic properties. Converging to these points, this review highlights the lucrative electronic features, photophysical traits and upcoming applications of NPCOMs by a selective survey of the recent scientific literature.

A Nanoboat with Fused Concave N-Heterotriangulene

The surface extension of all-carbon based bowl-shaped molecules, such as corannulene and sumanene, to synthesize even larger buckybowls has been widely studied, leaving other concave compounds with heteroatoms less considered. Herein we present a highly curved molecule synthesized via stepwise cyclization of fjords of a bisacridone derivative. Crystallographic analysis unambiguously confirmed a boat-shaped structure with deformed bottom benzene ring. Theoretical calculation unravels an inversion process with an S-shaped transition structure rather than a planar one. The enlarged boat demonstrates interesting properties, such as red shifts in absorption and emission spectra, enhanced emission intensity, and convergent frontier molecular orbital energy levels, in comparison to the related concave N-heterotriangulene.

On-Surface Synthesis of a π-Extended Diaza[8]circulene

Heterocyclic [8]circulenes are an important class of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon molecules because of their unique structural properties and promising applications. However, the synthesis of heterocyclic [8]circulenes is still limited and thus is an important synthetic challenge. Here we describe the first example of a π-extended diaza[8]circulene surrounded by and fused with six hexagons and two pentagons, which was successfully synthesized only by a combined in-solution and on-surface synthetic strategy. State-of-the-art scanning tunneling microscopy with a CO-functionalized tip and density functional theory calculations revealed its planar conformation and unique electronic structure.

Polycyclic aromatic chains on metals and insulating layers by repetitive [3+2] cycloadditions

The vast potential of organic materials for electronic, optoelectronic and spintronic devices entails substantial interest in the fabrication of π-conjugated systems with tailored functionality directly at insulating interfaces. On-surface fabrication of such materials on non-metal surfaces remains to be demonstrated with high yield and selectivity. Here we present the synthesis of polyaromatic chains on metallic substrates, insulating layers, and in the solid state. Scanning probe microscopy shows the formation of azaullazine repeating units on Au(111), Ag(111), and h-BN/Cu(111), stemming from intermolecular homo-coupling via cycloaddition reactions of CN-substituted polycyclic aromatic azomethine ylide (PAMY) intermediates followed by subsequent dehydrogenation. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry demonstrates that the reaction also takes place in the solid state in the absence of any catalyst. Such intermolecular cycloaddition reactions are promising methods for direct synthesis of regioregular polyaromatic polymers on arbitrary insulating surfaces.

Synthesis of Nitrogen-Containing Polyaromatics by Aza-Annulative π-Extension of Unfunctionalized Aromatics

Nitrogen-containing polycyclic aromatic compounds (N-PACs) are an important class of compounds in materials science. Reported here is a new aza-annulative π-extension (aza-APEX) reaction that allows rapid access to a range of N-PACs in 11-84 % yields from readily available unfunctionalized aromatics and imidoyl chlorides. In the presence of silver hexafluorophosphate, arenes and imidoyl chlorides couple in a regioselective fashion. The follow-up oxidative treatment with p-chloranil affords structurally diverse N-PACs, which are very difficult to synthesize. DFT calculations reveal that the aza-APEX reaction proceeds through the formal [4+2] cycloaddition of an arene and an in situ generated diarylnitrilium salt, with sequential aromatizations having relatively low activation energies. Transformation of N-PACs into nitrogen-doped nanographenes and their photophysical properties are also described.

Interplay of Aromaticity and Antiaromaticity in N-Doped Nanographenes

The aromaticity of three nonplanar, fully conjugated aza-nanographenes built around a pyrrolo[3,2-b]pyrrole core is assessed through the application of two different computational procedures-GIMIC and NICS. We examine the calculated magnetically induced current densities (GIMIC) and nucleus-independent chemical shifts (NICS). The structural differences between these three apparently similar molecules lead to significantly different aromatic properties. GIMIC analysis indicates that the peripheral diatropic ring current of 3.9 nA/T for the studied bowl-shaped diaza-nanographene is the strongest, followed by the double [6]helicene which lacks seven-membered rings, and is practically nonexistent for the double [5]helicene possessing seven-membered rings. The biggest difference however is that in the two not-fully-fused molecules, the central pyrrole rings possess a significant diatropic current of about 4.1 nA/T, whereas there is no such current in the diaza-nanographene. Moreover, the antiaromaticity of the seven-membered rings is increasing while moving from double [5]helicene to diaza-nanographene (from -2.4 to -6.0 nA/T). The induced currents derived from NICS_π,zz-XY-scan analysis for all of the studied systems are in qualitative agreement with the GIMIC results. Subtle differences may originate from σ-electron currents in GIMIC or inaccuracy of NICS_π,zz values due to the nonplanarity of the systems, but the general picture is similar.