Enantioselective Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Photophysical Properties of a 1,1′-Bitriphenylene-Based Sila[7]helicene

Circularly Polarized Luminescence from Schiff-base [4]Helicene Boron Complexes

Boron complexes with Schiff-base [4]helicene ligands were synthesized. These complexes were characterized by NMR spectroscopy and their helical molecular structures were unequivocally established by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The helical boron complexes exhibited efficient photoluminescence under UV irradiation, and the circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) properties were investigated for optically pure samples. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were conducted to further understand their photophysical properties including chiroptical responses.

Helical Bilayer Nanographenes: Impact of the Helicene Length on the Structural, Electrochemical, Photophysical, and Chiroptical Properties

Helical bilayer nanographenes (HBNGs) are chiral π-extended aromatic compounds consisting of two π-π stacked hexabenzocoronenes (HBCs) joined by a helicene, thus resembling van der Waals layered 2D materials. Herein, we compare [9]HBNG, [10]HBNG, and [11]HBNG helical bilayers endowed with [9], [10], and [11]helicenes embedded in their structure, respectively. Interestingly, the helicene length defines the overlapping degree between the two HBCs (number of benzene rings involved in π-π interactions between the two layers), being 26, 14, and 10 benzene rings, respectively, according to the X-ray analysis. Unexpectedly, the electrochemical study shows that the lesser π-extended system [9]HBNG shows the strongest electron donor character, in part by interlayer exchange resonance, and more red-shifted values of emission. Furthermore, [9]HBNG also shows exceptional chiroptical properties with the biggest values of g_abs and g_lum (3.6 × 10^-2) when compared to [10]HBNG and [11]HBNG owing to the fine alignment in the configuration of [9]HBNG between its electric and magnetic dipole transition moments. Furthermore, spectroelectrochemical studies as well as the fluorescence spectroscopy support the aforementioned experimental findings, thus confirming the strong impact of the helicene length on the properties of this new family of bilayer nanographenes.

Circularly polarized luminescence of helicenes: A data-informed insight

Helicenes are an interesting scaffold for chiroptical properties and in particular circularly polarized luminescence (CPL). In this short review, we collect the luminescence (g_lum ) and absorption (g_abs ) dissymmetry factors associated to the first Cotton effect of the electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectrum. Considering the data for 170 [n]-helicenes (n = 4-11), overall we found reasonable correlations between g_lum and g_abs . Despite a few notable exceptions, this would confirm a similarity in the stereochemistry of the ground and emitting excited states for most helicenes. These results may be useful in rationalizing chiroptical data and help chemists in designing new helicene structures with the desired CPL properties.

Recent Progress in Research on [2.2]Paracyclophane-Based Dyes

In recent years, the [2.2]paracyclophane (PCP) ring has attracted extensive attention due to its features of providing not only chirality and electron-donating ability but also steric hindrance, which reduces intermolecular π-π stacking interactions and thereby improves the fluorescence properties of dyes. To date, some circularly polarized luminescence (CPL)-active small organic molecules based on the PCP skeleton have been reviewed; however, the application of the PCP ring in improving the photophysical properties of fluorescent dyes is still limited, and new molecular design strategies are still required. This review summarizes and promotes the application of PCP in fluorescent dye design, fluorescence detection, and CPL modulation. We expect that this review will provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of the PCP skeleton and lead to further improvement in fluorescent dye design.

Synthesis of Dithia[5]helicenes and Enantioselective Synthesis of Helically Chiral Thia[6]helicenes via Rh-Catalyzed Intramolecular [2 + 2 + 2] Cycloaddition of Triynes

Dithia[5]helicenes and helically chiral thia[6]helicenes were synthesized in high yields via a cationic Rh-catalyzed intramolecular [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition of triynes bearing sulfur-containing 1,6-diynes. Thia[6]helicene could be obtained with a high enantiomeric excess of P-isomers by using (S)-SEGPHOS as a chiral ligand. This protocol is the first example of the synthesis of thiahelicenes via [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition and can also be used for the asymmetric construction of an aza[6]helical skeleton.

Catalytic Enantioselective Synthesis of Helicenes

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.

Synthesis of 2-Hydroxy-2'-aroyl-1,1'-biaryls via Oxidative Ring-Opening of 9H-Fluoren-9-ols

An Oxone-mediated oxidative ring-opening reaction of 4,5-disubstituted 9H-fluoren-9-ols by cleavage of a carbon-carbon bond is reported. 2-Hydroxy-2'-aroyl-1,1'-biaryls can be efficiently prepared by simply heating the mixture of fluoren-9-ols, Oxone, and 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoroisopropanol at 60 °C for 4 h. The persulfate-involved ring-expansion processes were proposed and supported by the DFT calculations.

Planar Chiral B-N Heteroarenes Based on [2.2]Paracyclophane as Circularly Polarized Luminescence Emitters

Planar chiral boron-nitrogen heteroarenes based on [2.2]paracyclophane were successfully synthesized in a few steps as a new family of circularly polarized luminescence emitters. It represents the first case of boron-nitrogen heteroarenes with planar chirality. Those compounds have been demonstrated to exhibit strong circularly polarized luminescence signals and high quantum yields, in both solution and doped film (with g_lum up to 5.0 × 10^-3 and Φ_solution up to 73%).

Rhodium-Catalyzed Enantioselective Synthesis, Structures, and Properties of Single and Double Azahelicene-Like Molecules

The enantioselective synthesis of aza[6] and [7]helicene-like molecules have been achieved by the cationic rhodium(I)/axially chiral biaryl bisphosphine complex-catalyzed intramolecular [2+2+2] cycloaddition of cyanodiynes. This protocol was successfully applied to the diastereo- and enantioselective synthesis of an S-shaped double aza[6]helicene-like molecule with a high ee value of 89 %. Although no epimerization and racemization were observed in the double carbo[6]helicene-like molecule at 80 °C, epimerization and racemization of the double aza[6]helicene-like molecule proceeded at 80 °C. This double aza[6]helicene-like molecule showed good fluorescent quantum yields and chiroptical responses under both neutral and acidic conditions.

Rhodium-Catalyzed Enantioselective Synthesis of Highly Fluorescent and CPL-Active Dispiroindeno[2,1-c]fluorenes

The enantioselective synthesis of chiral [7]-helical dispirodihydro[2,1-c]indenofluorenes (DSF-IFs) was achieved for the first time in good yields with high er values (er up to 99 : 1). The crucial step of the whole reaction sequence was the enantioselective intramolecular [2+2+2] cycloaddition of tethered triynediols to indenofluorenediols, which was catalyzed by a Rh/SEGPHOS® complex. Further transformations led to the corresponding DSF-IFs. The prepared helically chiral DSF-IFs combine circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) activity (g_lum =∼10^-3 ) with exceptionally high fluorescence quantum yields (up to Φ_lum =0.97).

Circularly Polarized Fluorescent Helicene-Boranils: Synthesis, Photophysical and Chiroptical Properties

Mono- and di-boranil-substituted helicenes were prepared by BF₂ -borylation of the corresponding anils, readily synthesized by condensation of 2-amino- and 2,15-diamino-helicenes with 4-(diethylamino)salicylaldehyde. After enantiomeric resolution using HPLC, their chiroptical properties including circularly polarized fluorescence in solution and in PMMA films were investigated and rationalized with the help of NMR, X-ray and quantum-chemical calculations.

Simultaneous Control of Central and Helical Chiralities: Expedient Helicoselective Synthesis of Dioxa[6]helicenes

An expedient synthesis of a new family of configurationally stable dioxa[6]helicenes was established using a sequential helicoselective organocatalyzed heteroannulation/eliminative aromatization via enantioenriched fused 2-nitro dihydrofurans featuring both central and helical chiralities. Starting from simple achiral precursors, a broad range of these previously unknown chiral heterocyclic scaffolds were obtained with good efficiency, and their aromatization proceeded with very high enantiopurity retention in most cases.

Rhodium-Catalyzed Highly Diastereo- and Enantioselective Synthesis of a Configurationally Stable S-Shaped Double Helicene-Like Molecule

An S-shaped double helicene-like molecule (>99 % ee), possessing stable helical chirality, has been synthesized by the rhodium(I)/difluorphos complex-catalyzed highly diastereo- and enantioselective intramolecular double [2+2+2] cycloaddition of a 2-naphthol- and benzene-linked hexayne. The collision between two terminal naphthalene rings destabilizes the helical chirality of the S-shaped double helicene-like molecule, but the introduction of two additional fused benzene rings significantly increases the configurational stability. Thus, no epimerization and racemization were observed even at 100 °C. The enantiopure S-shaped double helicene-like molecule forms a trimer through the multiple C-H⋅⋅⋅π and C-H⋅⋅⋅O interactions in the solid-state. The trimers stack to form columnar packing structures, in which neighboring stacks have opposite dipole directions. The accumulation of helical structures in the same direction in the S-shaped double helicene-like molecule enhanced the chiroptical properties.

Helicenes Built from Silacyclopentadienes via Ring-by-Ring Knitting of the Helical Framework

Despite the apparent diversity of the protocols developed for the synthesis of helicenes, they essentially follow the same strategy: the closure of one, or several, internal rings in a key step. Herein, we report the synthesis of a new family of the heterohelicenes consisting of fused silacyclopentadiene rings formed via a facile and novel process. The treatment of oligo(alkynilydenesilylene) precursors of type H₂ C=CH-(SiMe₂ -C≡C)_n -R (n=3-7), bearing a vinyl group on the terminal silicon atom, with 9-borabicyclononane leads first to 1,2-hydroboration of the terminal double bond which then continues with a cascade of intramolecular 1,1-carboboration reactions accompanied with the closure of a new silole ring after each step affording the target silahelicenes with, currently, up to seven condensed silole rings and with excellent yields. According XRD analysis, the seven fused silole rings of the heptacyclic compound 11 b form an almost complete turn of a helix. The presented one-pot sequence of reactions is the first example of ring-by-ring knitting of a helical framework starting from easily available linear precursors.

Advances in helicene derivatives with circularly polarized luminescence

This review summarizes the recent research progress of helicenes and their derivatives with circularly polarized luminescence properties.

Enantiomerically Pure 5,13-Dicyano-9-oxa[7]helicene: Synthesis and Study

Optically pure dicyano oxa[7]helicenes and helicene-like molecules have been prepared and investigated for their optical behavior. The isomers of the intermediate 4,4'-biphen-anthrene-3,3'-diol were resolved by physically separating their 1-menthyl carbonate derivatives. In this work a mild method was developed to cleave ArOMe in presence of a cyano group. The optical rotation of atropisomeric diol, helicenes-like compounds and the oxa[7]helicenes was observed to be in increasing order, while the molecules also showed good response to circularly polarized luminescence.

Multiple competing pathways for chemical reaction: drastic reaction shortcut for the self-catalytic double-helix formation of helicene oligomers

Competition among multiple pathways in a chemical reaction exhibits notable kinetic phenomena, particularly when amplification by self-catalysis is involved. A pseudoenantiomeric 1 : 1 mixture of an aminomethylene helicene (P)-tetramer and an (M)-pentamer formed enantiomeric hetero-double helices B and C in solution when random coil A was cooled. When a solution of A at 70 °C was directly cooled to 25 °C, the A-to-B reaction was predominant, then B was slowly converted to C over 60 h. The slow conversion in the A-to-B-to-C reaction was due to the formation of the hetero-double helix B, which was an off-pathway intermediate, and the slow B-to-C conversion. In contrast, when a solution of A at 70 °C was snap-cooled to -25 °C before then maintaining the solution at 25 °C, the A-to-C reaction predominated, and the formation of C was complete within 4 h. The reactions involve competition between the self-catalytic A-to-B and A-to-C pathways, where B and C catalyze the A-to-B and A-to-C reactions, respectively. Subtle differences in the initial states generated by thermal pretreatment were amplified by the self-catalytic process, which resulted in a drastic reaction shortcut.

Synthesis, Structure, and Photophysical/Chiroptical Properties of Benzopicene-Based π-Conjugated Molecules

The convenient synthesis of substituted benzopicenes and azabenzopicenes has been achieved by the cationic rhodium(I)/H₈-BINAP or BINAP complex-catalyzed [2+2+2] cycloaddition under mild conditions. This method was applied to the synthesis of benzopicene-based long ladder and helical molecules. The X-ray crystal structure analysis revealed that the benzopicene-based helical molecule is highly distorted and the average distance of overlapped rings is markedly shorter than that in the triphenylene-based helical molecule. Photophysical and chiroptical properties of these benzopicene and azabenzopicene derivatives have also been examined. With respect to photophysical properties, substituted benzopicenes and azabenzopicenes showed red shifts of absorption and emission maxima compared with the corresponding triphenylenes and azatriphenylenes. With respect to chiroptical properties, the CPL spectra of the benzopicene-based helical molecule showed two opposite peaks, and thus the value of the CPL was smaller than that of the triphenylene-based helical molecule presumably due to the presence of two chiral fluorophores.

Stapled helical o-OPE foldamers as new circularly polarized luminescence emitters based on carbophilic interactions with Ag(i)-sensitivity

ortho-Oligo(phenylene)ethynylenes (o-OPEs) stapled with enantiopure 2,3-dihydroxybutane diethers have highly intense circular dichroism (CD) spectra and excellent circular polarized luminescence (CPL) responses (glum values up to 1.1 × 10-2), which are consistent with homochiral helically folded structures. In the presence of Ag(i), a change in the CPL emission is observed, representing the first example of CPL active small organic molecular emitters, which can be modulated by carbophilic interactions in a reversible manner.

Synthesis and Properties of Sila[n]helicenes via Dehydrogenative Silylation of C-H Bonds under Rhodium Catalysis

Use of a rhodium catalyst with (R)-(S)-BPPFA ligand allows efficient synthesis of sila[n]helicenes via dehydrogenative silylation of C-H bonds. By selecting the proper ligands, the current method provides the ability to prepare unsymmetrical sila[n]helicene derivatives without any oxidants. The resulting sila[6]helicene is a rare example of a five-membered ring-fused [6]helicene, which was isolated as a single pure enantiomer without substituents on the terminal benzene rings.

Rhodium-catalysed synthesis of multi-substituted silylindenes from aryl alkynes and hydrosilanes via C–H bond activation

We successfully developed rhodium-catalysed synthesis of multi-substituted silylindenes from 2 equivalents of aryl alkynes and 1 equivalent of hydrosilanes in moderate to good yields via C–H bond activation for the first time.