The Diels-Alder Reaction for the Synthesis of Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds

Intramolecular Diels-Alder Reaction of a Biphenyl Group in a Strained meta-Quaterphenylene Acetylene

At elevated temperatures, a strained, cyclic meta-quaterphenylene acetylene undergoes an intramolecular cyclization reaction to form benz[e]indeno[1,2,3-hi]acephenanthrylene. This reaction represents an example of a Diels-Alder reaction at the 2-, 1-, 1'-, and 2'-positions of a biphenyl derivative, a region analogous to the bay regions of perylene and other periacenes. The reaction proceeds cleanly with high conversion. Kinetics studies of a methylated derivative reveal that the ΔG‡ for the reaction is ∼40-41 kcal/mol, and computational models predict a similar value of Grel for the transition state of a concerted [4 + 2]-cycloaddition.

Copper ferrite nanoparticles catalyzed the challenging Diels-Alder reaction of aromatic chalcones with cyclopentadiene

Copper ferrite nanoparticles efficiently transformed the unreactive aromatic chalcones into activated dienophiles for a Diels-Alder reaction with cyclopentadiene/isoprene as dienes. The best results in terms of rate of reaction and product yields were obtained in an eco-friendly solvent i.e. ethanol using 5 mol% catalytic loading. Substrate scope was also investigated for a number of chalcone derivatives, and all the reactions proceeded smoothly to provide the corresponding DA adducts in high yields (up to 89%) and good diastereoselectivities (up to >99%) with endo-preference.

Post-synthetic π-extension of perylene conjugated porous polymer via APEX reactions: tunable optical and gas storage properties

Double post-synthetic modification is used for the π-extension of perylene based conjugated porous polymers (CPPs) using sequential annulative π-extension (APEX) reactions. This approach enabled us to synthesize new CPPs rendered with donor-acceptor rigid π-systems such as benzoperylene anhydride (BPA-CPP) and benzoperylene benzimidazole (BPBI-CPP) with distinct optical properties. Despite its low surface area, BPBI-CPP shows good CO₂ uptake and pH responsive behaviour owing to the presence of benzimidazole rings.

7,7-Difluoropentaphen-6(7H)-one

A new fluorinated pentaphene derivative has been obtained as a potential precursor for fluorinated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. In this work, 7,7-difluoropentaphen-6(7H)-one was prepared from 1,1-difluoroanthracen-2(1H)-one via the Diels–Alder reaction with o-quinodimethane generated in situ from o-bis(dibromomethyl)benzene. The structure of the newly synthesized compound was confirmed by 1H, 13C, 19F NMR, IR and UV/Vis spectroscopy, as well as high-resolution mass spectrometry.

Exploring the Acid-Catalyzed Reactions of 10,11-Epoxy-Dibenzo[a,d]cycloheptan-5-ol as the Synthetic Modules toward Polycyclic Aromatic Scaffolds

The structural diversity of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) offers exciting opportunities for their applications. Yet, selective synthesis of such conjugated networks poses a formidable challenge. Compared to the prominence of transition-metal-catalyzed cross-coupling and oxidative Scholl reactions, cationic rearrangement in the synthesis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon is an underexplored subject. In this study, we reveal that cationic intermediate generated from epoxy dibenzocycloheptanol can be transformed into acenes, azulene-embedded PAHs, and dibenzocycloheptanone derivatives. Reactive patterns, including Meinwald rearrangement, Nazarov cyclization, transannular aryl migration, and transannular Friedel-Crafts cyclization were identified. Both substrate structures and reaction temperature affect the reaction pathways in predictable and manageable manners. A mechanistic scheme was postulated as the working model to guide the reactivity for further application. Substrates containing heterocyclic and ferrocenyl groups exhibit similar reactivity profiles. The inquiry culminates in the selective synthesis of 5, 7, 12, 14-tetrasubstituted C _2h and C _2v pentacene derivatives. Our results demonstrate that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons can be selectively prepared with this cation-initiated strategy by methodically tuning the reactivity.

A sequential cyclization/π-extension strategy for modular construction of nanographenes enabled by stannole cycloadditions

The synthesis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and related nanographenes requires the selective and efficient fusion of multiple aromatic rings. For this purpose, the Diels–Alder cycloaddition has proven especially useful; however, this approach currently faces significant limitations, including the lack of versatile strategies to access annulated dienes, the instability of the most commonly used dienes, and difficulties with aromatization of the [4 + 2] adduct. In this report we address these limitations via the marriage of two powerful cycloaddition strategies. First, a formal Cp₂Zr-mediated [2 + 2 + 1] cycloaddition is used to generate a stannole-annulated PAH. Secondly, the stannoles are employed as diene components in a [4 + 2] cycloaddition/aromatization cascade with an aryne, enabling π-extension to afford a larger PAH. This discovery of stannoles as highly reactive – yet stable for handling – diene equivalents, and the development of a modular strategy for their synthesis, should significantly extend the structural scope of PAHs accessible by a [4 + 2] cycloaddition approach.

Stannoles are introduced as a new, spontaneously aromatizing diene for [4 + 2] cycloadditions that can be easily introduced into diverse conjugated systems, facilitating the efficient synthesis of complex PAHs and their π-extension.

Formation and growth mechanisms of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: A mini-review

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are mostly formed during the incomplete combustion of organic materials, but their importance and presence in materials science, and astrochemistry has also been proven. These carcinogenic persistent organic pollutants are essential in the formation of combustion generated particles as well. Due to their significant impact on the environment and human health, to understand the formation and growth of PAHs is essential. Therefore, the most important growth mechanisms are reviewed, and presented here from the past four decades (1981-2021) to initiate discussions from a new perspective. Although, the collected and analyzed observations are derived from both experimental, and computational studies, it is neither a systematic nor a comprehensive review. Nevertheless, the mechanisms were divided into three main categories, acetylene additions (e.g. HACA), vinylacetylene additions (HAVA), and radical reactions, and discussed accordingly.

Inverse Electron-Demand Aza-Diels-Alder Reaction of α,β-Unsaturated Thioesters with In Situ-Generated 1,2-Diaza-1,3-dienes for the Synthesis of 1,3,4-Thiadiazines

A highly regioselective inverse electron-demand aza-Diels-Alder reaction of α,β-unsaturated thioesters with 1,2-diaza-1,3-dienes generated in situ from α-halogeno hydrazones was developed. With α,β-unsaturated thioesters as C═S dienophiles, the developed protocol enables the formation of diverse 3,6-dihydro-2H-1,3,4-thiadiazine derivatives in excellent yields. In the presence of lithium aluminum hydride, 3,6-dihydro-2H-1,3,4-thiadiazine derivatives could be further transformed into 5,6-dihydro-4H-1,3,4-thiadiazines in good yields.

Synthesis of gem-Dimethylcyclopentane-Fused Arenes with Various Topologies via TBD-Mediated Dehydro-Diels-Alder Reaction

The development of efficient methods for the synthesis of substituted polycyclic arenes with various topologies is in high demand due to their excellent electrical and optical properties. In this work, a series of gem-dimethylcyclopentane-fused arenes with more than ten topologies were synthesized via a 1,5,7-Triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec-5-ene (TBD)-mediated dehydro-Diels-Alder reaction with moderate to good yields. The introduction of the near-planar gem-dimethylcyclopentane moiety not only impacts the molecular conjugative system but also regulates the intermolecular π-π interactions and crystal packing, which are critical for the photoelectric performance of arenes. The photophysical properties, molecular geometry, molecular packing of these compounds, and electrochemical properties were investigated by UV-vis absorption, fluorescence emission spectra, DFT calculations, single-crystal X-ray structure analysis, and cyclic voltammetry study.

Relationship Between Molecular Structure, Single crystal Packing and Self-Assembly Behavior: A Case Based on Pyrene Imide Derivatives

Development of new n-type one-dimensional (1D) self-assembly nanostructure and a clear understanding of the relationship between molecular structure and self-assembly behavior are important prerequisites for further designing and optimizing organic optoelectronic nanodevice. In this article, a series of n-type organic semiconductor materials based on pyrene imide were successfully synthesized through [4+2] cycloaddition reactions and their preliminary optical and electrochemical properties were studied. The simulated HOMO-LUMO bandgaps via DFT tallied with the experimental data well. The self-assembly of these materials showed needle or fiber-like morphologies, indicating that different conjugation degree or alkyl group had significant influence on their self-assembly behaviors. Furthermore, the single-crystal packing for these molecules were analyzed and it was found out that the changes of conjugated backbone and functional group would affect certain crystal lattice parameter significantly, such as the intermolecular packing distance and crystal size etc, which would further result in different self-assembly morphology.

Synthesis of diverse heterocyclic frameworks using cyclopentadienones via the Diels–Alder strategy

In this review article, we briefly summarize the versatility of Diels–Alder reactions of cyclopentadienones and concise routes to diverse hetero-atom bearing PAHs using cyclones as building blocks.

Topologically diverse polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from pericyclic reactions with polyaromatic phospholes

Topologically divers PAHs with planar, twisted and negatively curved topologies were obtained from polycyclic phospholes using pericyclic reactions.

Solvent-regulated biomorphs from the intense π,π-mediated assemblies of tetracenequinone fused porphyrin

Tetracenequninone fused porphyrin exhibits remarkable π,π-stacking, which can be regulated by solvents to afford various biomorphs or cubic-shaped architectures.

Synthesis of Decaarylanthracene with Nine Different Substituents

A synthesis of decaarylanthracene with nine different substituents has been accomplished by a coupling/ring-transformation strategy. The oxidation of tetraarylthiophenes with four different substituents to the corresponding thiophene S-oxides and a [4 + 2] cycloaddition with a double benzyne precursor afforded a multiply arylated naphthalene derivative. Subsequently, the naphthalene derivative was converted into a naphthalyne, and then a [4 + 2] cycloaddition of another thiophene S-oxide provided decaarylanthracenes with nine different aryl groups.

Diels-Alder Cycloaddition to the Bay Region of Perylene and Its Derivatives as an Attractive Strategy for PAH Core Expansion: Theoretical and Practical Aspects

PAHs (polycyclic aromatics hydrocarbons), the compound group that contains perylene and its derivatives, including functionalized ones, have attracted a great deal of interest in many fields of science and modern technology. This review presents all of the research devoted to modifications of PAHs that are realized via the Diels–Alder (DA) cycloaddition of various dienophiles to the bay regions of PAHs, leading to the π-extension of the starting molecule. This type of annulative π-extension (APEX) strategy has emerged as a powerful and efficient synthetic method for the construction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and their functionalized derivatives, nanographenes, and π-extended fused heteroarenes. Then, [4 + 2] cycloadditions of ethylenic dienophiles, -N=N-, i.e., diazo-dienophiles and acetylenic dienophiles, are presented. This subject is discussed from the organic synthesis point of view but supported by theoretical calculations. The possible applications of DA cycloaddition to PAH bay regions in various science and technology areas, and the prospects for the development of this synthetic method, are also discussed.

Supramolecular Diversity of Oxabicyclo[2.2.2]octenes Formed between Substituted 2H-Pyran-2-ones and Vinyl-Moiety-Containing Dienophiles

In Diels–Alder reactions, 2H-pyran-2-ones as dienes can yield a large variety of cycloadducts with up to four contiguous carbon stereogenic centers. Some of the potentially most useful, however difficult to prepare due to their low thermal stability, are the primary CO2-containing oxabicyclo[2.2.2]octenes, which could be formed as eight distinctive isomers (two sets of regioisomers, each of these composed of four different stereoisomers). A high-pressure synthesis of such products was recently described in a few cases where vinyl-moiety-containing dienophiles were used as synthetic equivalents of acetylene. However, structures of the primary products have been so far only rarely investigated in detail. Herein, we present seven novel single-crystal X-ray diffraction structures of such cycloadducts of both stereoisomeric forms, i.e., endo and exo. Additionally, we present a single-crystal structure of a rare case of a cyclohexadiene system stable at room temperature, obtained as a secondary product upon the retro-hetero-Diels–Alder elimination of CO2 under thermal conditions (microwave irradiation), during this elimination the symmetry is increased and out of eight initially possible isomers of the reactant, this number in the product is decreased to four. In oxabicyclo[2.2.2]octene compounds, centrosymmetric hydrogen bonding was found to be the predominant motif and diverse supramolecular patterns were observed due to rich variety of C–H⋯O and C–H⋯π interactions.

Hetero Diels-Alder Reactions with a Dicationic Urea Azine Derived Azo Dienophile and Their Use for the Synthesis of an Electron-Rich Pentacene

Herein, the first hetero Diels-Alder (DA) reactions with a stable, dicationic urea azine derived azo dienophile, synthesized by two-electron oxidation of a neutral urea azine are reported. Several charged DA products were synthesized in good yield and fully characterized. The DA adduct of anthracene is in thermal equilibrium with the reactants at room temperature, and the reaction enthalpy and entropy were determined from the temperature-dependent equilibrium constant. Furthermore, base addition to solutions of the pentacene DA product led to deprotonation, cleavage of the N-N bond, and formation of an electron-rich 6,13-bisguanidinyl-substituted pentacene. The redox and optical properties of this new pentacene derivative were studied. Furthermore, the dication resulting from its two-electron oxidation was synthesized and fully characterized. The results disclose a new elegant route to electron-rich pentacene derivatives.

APEX Strategy Represented by Diels-Alder Cycloadditions-New Opportunities for the Syntheses of Functionalised PAHs

Diels-Alder cycloaddition of various dienophiles to the bay region of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is a particularly effective and useful tool for the modification of the structure of PAHs and thereby their final properties. The Diels-Alder cycloaddition belongs to the single-step annulative π-extension (APEX) reactions and represents the maximum in synthetic efficiency for the constructions of π-extended PAHs including functionalised ones, nanographenes, and π-extended fused heteroarenes. Herein we report new applications of the APEX strategy for the synthesis of derivatives of 1,2-diarylbenzo[ghi]perylene, 1,2-diarylbenzo[ghi]perylenebisimide and 1,2-disubstituted-benzo[j]coronene. Namely, the so far unknown cycloaddition of 1,2-diarylacetylenes into the perylene and perylenebisimide bay regions was used. 1,2-Disubstituted-benzo[j]coronenes were obtained via cycloaddition of benzyne into 1,2-diarylbenzo[ghi]perylenes by using a new highly effective system for benzyne generation and/or high pressure conditions. Moreover, we report an unprecedented Diels-Alder cycloaddition-cycloaromatisation domino-type reaction between 1,4-(9,9-dialkylfluoren-3-yl)-1,3-butadiynes and perylene. The obtained diaryl-substituted core-extended PAHs were characterised by DFT calculation as well as electrochemical and spectroscopic measurements.

Understanding the reactivity of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and related compounds

This perspective article summarizes recent applications of the combination of the activation strain model of reactivity and the energy decomposition analysis methods to the study of the reactivity of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and related compounds such as cycloparaphenylenes, fullerenes and doped systems. To this end, we have selected representative examples to highlight the usefulness of this relatively novel computational approach to gain quantitative insight into the factors controlling the so far not fully understood reactivity of these species. Issues such as the influence of the size and curvature of the system on the reactivity are covered herein, which is crucial for the rational design of novel compounds with tuneable applications in different fields such as materials science or medicinal chemistry.

How Alkali Cations Catalyze Aromatic Diels-Alder Reactions

We have quantum chemically studied alkali cation-catalyzed aromatic Diels-Alder reactions between benzene and acetylene forming barrelene using relativistic, dispersion-corrected density functional theory. The alkali cation-catalyzed aromatic Diels-Alder reactions are accelerated by up to 5 orders of magnitude relative to the uncatalyzed reaction and the reaction barrier increases along the series Li+ < Na+ < K+ < Rb+ < Cs+ < none. Our detailed activation strain and molecular-orbital bonding analyses reveal that the alkali cations lower the aromatic Diels-Alder reaction barrier by reducing the Pauli repulsion between the closed-shell filled orbitals of the dienophile and the aromatic diene. We argue that such Pauli mechanism behind Lewis-acid catalysis is a more general phenomenon. Also, our results may be of direct importance for a more complete understanding of the network of competing mechanisms towards the formation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in an astrochemical context.