Photochemical reactions applied to the synthesis of helicenes and helicene-like compounds

A Curious Case of Two-Photon Absorption in n-Helicene and n-Phenylene, n=6-10: Why n=7 is Different?

n-Helicenes and n-Phenylenes are interesting examples of twisted molecules, where although the atoms are connected through conjugated π ${\pi }$ -bonds, the π ${\pi }$ -conjugation is largely hindered by the twisted nature of the bonds. Such structures provide a unique opportunity to study the effect of twisted π ${\pi }$ -system on non-linear optical properties. In this work, we studied the two-photon absorption in donor-acceptor substituted n-helicenes and n-phenylenes employing the state-of-the-art RI-CC2 method and reported a unique feature we observed in n=7 systems. We found that both 7-helicene and 7-phenylene systems exhibit largest two-photon absorption than other members in their respective classes. Furthermore, using generalized few-state model, we provided a detailed microscopic mechanism of this unique observation involving participation of different transition dipole moment vectors and their relative orientations.

Intramolecular Azo Coupling Reaction of Binaphthyl Compounds: Synthesis of Pyrazole-Containing Helicene-Like Molecules

A method for accessing pyrazole-containing helicene-like molecules from easily accessible NOBIN derivatives was developed. The reaction proceeded efficiently via diazonium salt intermediates, which provided a series of helicene-like molecular products in yields of 77%-89% regardless of their steric and electronic natures. The photophysical properties of the products were investigated. The 3,3'-disubstituted molecules showed a characteristic blue shift in their emission spectra. Product derivatizations were conducted, and interesting reactivities toward nucleophiles were observed.

Thiophene/selenophene-based S-shaped double helicenes: regioselective synthesis and structures

2,5-Di(trimethylsilanyl)dithieno[2,3-b:3′,2′-d]thiophene ((TMS)₂-bb-DTT), 2,5-di(trimethylsilanyl)diseleno[2,3-b:3′,2′-d]thiophene ((TMS)₂-bb-DST), and 2,5-di(trimethylsilanyl)diseleno[2,3-b:3′,2′-d] selenophene ((TMS)₂-bb-DSS) were used as starting materials to synthesize three S-shaped double helicenes (i.e., DH-1, DH-2, and DH-3) through monobromination, formylation, the Wittig reaction, and double oxidative photocyclization. The photocyclization was a highly regioselective process. The molecular structures of DH-1 and DH-2 were confirmed by X-ray single-crystal analysis. Multiple intermolecular interactions, such as C–S, C–Se, S–S, S–Se, and Se–Se, were observed in the crystal packing structures of these compounds. Spectroscopic results and our previous work showed that the combination of molecular structure change and heteroatom replacement from S to Se could precisely modulate molecular energy levels.

Synthesis of Aza[n]helicenes (n = 4-7) via Photocyclodehydrochlorination of 1-Chloro-N-aryl-2-naphthamides

A series of aza[n]helicenes (n = 4-7) was synthesized using a photocyclodehydrochlorination of 1-chloro-N-aryl-2-naphthamides as a general synthetic procedure introducing the nitrogen atom to the third ring of the helicene framework. The effect of the nitrogen presence in the helicene skeleton on the physicochemical properties of the prepared aza[n]helicenes was studied and compared to those of the parent carbo-analogues. The insertion of a nitrogen atom into the outer edge of the helicene molecule has a severe impact on certain physicochemical properties such as optical rotation, electrostatic potentials, and intermolecular interactions. On the other hand, some other properties such as UV/vis, fluorescence, and phosphorescence spectra remained almost unaffected when compared to the parent carbohelicenes. A nitrogen atom can be also used for further derivatization, which can lead to further modification of helicene properties, as manifested here in the fluorescence changes induced by protonation.

Synthesis, Stereochemical and Photophysical Properties of Functionalized Thiahelicenes

We report on the synthesis of a novel class of functionalized thia[6]helicenes and a thia[5]helicene, containing a benzothiophene unit and a second heteroatom embedded in the helix (i.e., nitrogen and oxygen) or a pyrene or a spirobifluorene moiety. These systems are obtained through straightforward and general procedures that involve: (i) palladium-catalyzed annulation of iodo-atropoisomers with internal alkynes and (ii) Suzuki coupling of iodo-atropoisomers with phenyl boronic acid followed by a Mallory-type reaction. Both experimental and theoretical studies on the configurational stability of some selected thia[6]helicenes confirmed their stability toward racemization at room temperature, while the pyrene-based thia[5]helicene was found to be unstable. Moreover, the configuration assignment for one representative thiahelicene was established through the comparison between experimental and theoretical circular dichroism (CD) spectra. A systematic study of the photophysical properties of both thiahelicenes and the corresponding atropoisomers has been carried out to provide a complete overview on the new molecules proposed in this work. The obtained data showed regular trends in all the thiahelicene series with spectroscopic traits in line with those previously observed for similar heterohelicenes.

Enantioselective Synthesis of Dithia[5]helicenes and their Postsynthetic Functionalization to Access Dithia[9]helicenes

A highly enantioselective synthesis of 5,13-disubstituted dibenzo[d,d']benzo[1,2-b:4,3-b']dithiophenes is reported. Key for the successful assembly of these helical architectures is the last two successive Au-catalyzed intramolecular alkyne hydroarylation events. Specifically, the second cyclization is the enantiodetermining step of the whole process and provides the desired helicenes with excellent ee values when a TADDOL-derived 1,2,3-(triazolium)phosphonite moiety (TADDOL: α,α,α',α'-tetraaryl-1,3-dioxolane-4,5-dimethanol) is employed as an ancillary ligand. The absolute stereochemistry of the newly prepared structures has been determined by X-ray crystallography to be P; the optical properties of these heterohelicenes are also reported. A three-step procedure was subsequently developed that allows the transformation of the initially obtained dithia[5]helicenes into dithia[9]helicenes without erosion of the enantiopurity.

Construction of Heptagon-Containing Molecular Nanocarbons

Molecular nanocarbons containing heptagonal rings have attracted increasing interest due to their dynamic behavior, electronic properties, aromaticity, and solid-state packing. Heptagon incorporation can not only induce negative curvature within nanocarbon scaffolds, but also confer significantly altered properties through interaction with adjacent non-hexagonal rings. Despite the disclosure of several beautiful examples in recent years, synthetic strategies toward heptagon-embedded molecular nanocarbons remain relatively limited due to the intrinsic challenges of heptagon formation and incorporation into polyarene frameworks. In this Review, recent advances in solution-mediated and surface-assisted synthesis of heptagon-containing molecular nanocarbons, as well as the intriguing properties of these frameworks, will be discussed.

Enantioenriched Ruthenium-Tris-Bipyridine Complexes Bearing One Helical Bipyridine Ligand: Access to Fused Multihelicenic Systems and Chiroptical Redox Switches

The synthesis and photophysical and chiroptical properties of novel aza[n]helicenes (6a-d, 10a,b, n = 4-7) substituted with one or two 2-pyridyl groups are described. The preparation was performed via an adapted Mallory reaction using aromatic imines as precursors. The obtained novel class of helical 2,2'-bipyridine ligands was then coordinated to Ru(bipy)₂²⁺ units, thus affording the first diastereomerically and enantiomerically pure [RuL(bipy)₂]²⁺ (11a,c, L = 6a,c) or [Ru₂L'(bipy)₄]⁴⁺ (12, L' = 10b) complexes. The topology and stereochemistry of these novel metal-based helical architectures were studied in detail, notably using X-ray crystallography. Interestingly, the coordination to ruthenium(II) enabled the preparation of fused multihelical systems incorporating aza- and ruthena-helicenes within the same scaffold. The photophysical, chiroptical, and redox properties of these complexes were examined in detail, and efficient redox-triggered chiroptical switching activity was evidenced.

Synthesis of All Thiophene-Based [7]Helicenes and Trithienothiepines with Isomeric Location of Sulfur Atoms Based on Intramolecular Selectivity of Deprotonation

Three unsymmetric thiophene-based [7]helicenes, namely, endo-exo-UH-1, endo-top-UH-2, and exo-top-UH-3, with different isomeric locations of sulfur atoms in two terminal thiophene rings were efficiently synthesized using dithieno[2,3-b:3',2'-d]thiophene (bb-DTT), dithieno[2,3-b:2',3'-d]thiophene (bt-DTT), and dithieno[2,3-b:3',4'-d]thiophene (bs-DTT) as building blocks via Suzuki cross-coupling and intramolecular cyclization reactions. Aside from these racemic [7]helicenes, two novel heterocyclic isomers, namely, trithienothiepines TTTP-1 and TTTP-2, were simultaneously obtained during the intramolecular cyclization. Two novel deprotonations of bi-DTTs and cyclization for synthesizing target compounds showed high selectivity and efficiently constructed both UHs and TTTPs. X-ray crystallographic analyses revealed that the UHs have typical helical molecular structures. The isomeric location of sulfur atoms in the two terminal thiophene rings in endo-exo-UH-1, endo-top-UH-2, exo-top-UH-3, and TTTP-1 allowed multiple intermolecular interactions, such as S···S, S···C, and S···H interactions, resulting in different crystal-packing patterns. Moreover, the absorption behaviors of these [7]helicenes, TTTP-1, and TTTP-2 were examined and theoretically calculated. Results indicated that the isomeric location of sulfur atoms plays a key role in tuning intramolecular π-electronic conjugation.

Columnar Stacking of Partially Fluorinated [4]Helicenes: C-H⋅⋅⋅F Interactions Change the Stacking Orientation

The partial fluorination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons often produces a layered crystal packing, where fluorinated aromatic surfaces are stacked over nonfluorinated aromatic surfaces. Herein, we report the synthesis and crystal packing of partially fluorinated [4]helicenes with steric congestion resulting from H and F atoms in the fjord region. F₆ -[4]Helicene forms head-to-tail columnar stacks consisting of an alternate arrangement of perfluorinated and nonfluorinated naphthalene moieties. With decreasing fluorine content, aromatic stacking switched from arene-fluoroarene (Ar^H -Ar^F ) hetero-stacking to Ar^H -Ar^H /Ar^F -Ar^F homo-stacking with the help of intermolecular C-H⋅⋅⋅F contacts in the fjord region. As a result, head-to-head columnar stacks appear. Therefore, the conventional Ar^H -Ar^F stacking motif is not always applicable to F_n -[4]helicenes with twisted π-surfaces.

Convergent Strategy for the Synthesis of Oxa-, Thia-, and Selena[5]helicenes by Acetylene-Activated SNAr Reactions

A tandem acetylene-activated S_NAr-anionic cyclization strategy is presented for the synthesis of chalcogen-containing hetero[5]helicenes. Oxa-, thia-, and selena[5]helicenes are accessed from common ortho-fluoro-ethynylarene precursors, allowing the heteroatoms to be installed at the 1-position or 1- and 12-positions of the hetero[5]helicene inner core surface.

Phosphahelicenes with (Thio)Phosphinic Acid and Ester Functions by the Oxidative Photocyclisation Approach

Phosphahelicenes with thiophosphinic acid and ester functions have been obtained by the oxidative photocyclisation of olefins bearing both a benzophenanthrene and a benzophosphole unit. When the method has been extended to olefins bearing a partially saturated benzophospholene unit, a divergent regioselectivity of the photocyclisation step has been observed, leading to new helicenes in which the phosphorus function is located on the external rim of the helical backbone. The observed regioselectivity correlates well with the free-valence numbers of the atoms involved in the photocyclisation reaction (DFT calculations).

Stereochemical significance of O to N atom interchanges within cationic helicenes: experimental and computational evidence of near racemization to remarkable enantiospecificity

Oxygen atoms of cationic dioxa and azaoxa [6]helicenes can be exchanged by amino groups to form azaoxa and diaza [6]helicenes respectively. The mild reaction conditions developed herein allow the construction of libraries of derivatives with sensitive and/or functionalized side chains. Using enantioenriched dioxa or azaoxa helicene precursors, these exchanges lead to either near racemization (es 3%) or to a remarkable enantiospecificity (es up to 97%). This unusual behavior is fully characterized via experimental and computational mechanistic evidence. Based on these investigations, the enantiospecificity of the first transformation can be improved to 57-61%.

Gas phase synthesis of [4]-helicene

A synthetic route to racemic helicenes via a vinylacetylene mediated gas phase chemistry involving elementary reactions with aryl radicals is presented. In contrast to traditional synthetic routes involving solution chemistry and ionic reaction intermediates, the gas phase synthesis involves a targeted ring annulation involving free radical intermediates. Exploiting the simplest helicene as a benchmark, we show that the gas phase reaction of the 4-phenanthrenyl radical ([C₁₄H₉]^•) with vinylacetylene (C₄H₄) yields [4]-helicene (C₁₈H₁₂) along with atomic hydrogen via a low-barrier mechanism through a resonance-stabilized free radical intermediate (C₁₈H₁₃). This pathway may represent a versatile mechanism to build up even more complex polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as [5]- and [6]-helicene via stepwise ring annulation through bimolecular gas phase reactions in circumstellar envelopes of carbon-rich stars, whereas secondary reactions involving hydrogen atom assisted isomerization of thermodynamically less stable isomers of [4]-helicene might be important in combustion flames as well.

Helicenes represent key building blocks leading eventually to carbonaceous nanostructures. Here, exploiting [4]-helicene as a benchmark, the authors present a synthetic route to racemic helicenes via a vinylacetylene mediated gas phase chemistry with aryl radicals involving ring annulation.

Preparation and Physicochemical Properties of [6]Helicenes Fluorinated at Terminal Rings

The first racemization-stable helicene derivatives fluorinated at terminal rings, 1,2,3,4-tetrafluoro[6]helicene (6) and 1,2,3,4,13,14,15,16-octafluoro[6]helicene (15), were synthesized via the Wittig reaction followed by oxidative photocyclization in an overall yield of 41% of 6 and 76% of 15. The changed electronic structure in fluorinated helicenes was reflected in a slight shift of UV-vis absorption, fluorescence excitation, and emission spectra maxima when compared to unsubstituted [6]helicene. Cyclic voltammetry revealed a moderate decrease in the HOMO-LUMO gap with increasing fluorination. The specific rotation of tetrafluoro[6]helicene 6 enantiomers was found to be approximately 25% lower than that of unsubstituted [6]helicene. The theoretical study of the racemization barrier suggested a reasonable shift toward higher energy with increasing fluorination. The increasing fluorination also significantly affected the intermolecular interactions in the crystal lattice. The observed CH···F interactions led to the formation of 1D-molecular chains in the crystal structures of both fluorinated helicenes.

Dirhenium Coordination Complex Endowed with an Intrinsically Chiral Helical-Shaped Diphosphine Oxide

A one-pot, multicomponent strategy was used to synthesize the first example of the dirhenium carbonyl coordination complex 2, in which the two metal atoms are connected through a chiral helical-shaped diphosphine oxide. Thanks to the flexibility of the helix of helicene 1, complex 2 was isolated in quite a good yield as a stable compound. It was characterized by analytical and spectroscopic techniques as well as by single-crystal X-ray analysis, which confirmed the chemical structure and the peculiar architecture of 2. In addition, computational studies were in agreement with the transitions observed in the experimental UV-vis spectrum, revealing the presence of two bands with maxima at about 520 (metal-to-ligand charge transfer) and 400 nm (IL).

Helicene-Based Chiral Auxiliaries and Chirogenesis

Helicenes are unique helical chromophores possessing advanced and well-controlled spectral and chemical properties owing to their diverse functionalization and defined structures. Specific modification of these molecules by introducing aromatic rings of differing nature and different functional groups results in special chiroptical properties, making them effective chiral auxiliaries and supramolecular chirogenic hosts. This review aims to highlight these distinct structural features of helicenes; the different synthetic and supramolecular approaches responsible for their efficient chirality control; and their employment in the chirogenic systems, which are still not fully explored. It further covers the limitation, scope, and future prospects of helicene chromophores in chiral chemistry.

Chiral Template-Directed Regio-, Diastereo-, and Enantioselective Photodimerization of an Anthracene Derivative Assisted by Complementary Amidinium-Carboxylate Salt Bridge Formation

A series of optically active amidine dimers composed of m-terphenyl backbones joined by a variety of linkers, such as achiral and chiral p-phenylene and chiral amide linkers, were synthesized and used as templates for the regio- (head-to-tail (HT) or head-to-head (HH)), diastereo- (anti or syn), and enantioselective [4 + 4] photocyclodimerization of an achiral m-terphenyl-based carboxylic acid monomer bearing a prochiral 2-substituted anthracene at one end (1) through complementary amidinium-carboxylate salt bridges. The amidine dimers linked by p-phenylene linkages almost exclusively afforded the chiral syn-HT and anti-HH dimers at 25 °C, while those joined by amide linkers produced all four dimers. The p-phenylene-linked templates tended to enhance the syn-HT-photodimer formation at high temperatures with no significant changes in the product enantiomeric excess (ee), while the anti-HH-photodimer formation remarkably increased with the decreasing temperature accompanied by a significant enhancement of the product ee up to -86% at -50 °C. Temperature-dependent inversion of the chirality of the anti-HH dimer was observed when the chiral phenylene-linked amidine dimer was used and the product ee was changed from 22% at 50 °C to -86% at -50 °C. A similar enhancement of the enantioselectivity of the anti-HH dimer was also observed for the chiral amide-linked template, producing the anti-HH dimer with up to -88% ee at -50 °C. The observed difference in the regio-, diastereo-, and enantioselectivities due to the difference in the linker structures of the amidine dimers during the template-directed photodimerization of 1 was discussed on the basis of a reversible conformational change in the amidine dimers complexed with 1.

Azahelicenes from the Oxidative Photocyclization of Boron Hydroxamate Complexes

Aromatic hydroxamic acids (Ar-CO-NOH-Ar') were used as bidentate chelating ligands to generate the corresponding boron hydroxamate complexes, which were subsequently transformed into nitrogen-containing helicenes (azahelicenes) using an oxidative photocyclization method that is frequently used for stilbene-type (Ar-CH=CH-Ar') precursors of carbohelicenes. The nitrogen atom of the hydroxamate linker was thus directly embedded into the helicene core without using nitrogen-containing aromatic rings in the stilbene-type precursors. In a batch photoreaction, aza[4]helicenes were readily and efficiently prepared, but aza[6]helicenes underwent severe decomposition upon irradiation. Alternatively, a continuous flow photoreactor was employed to furnish an amide-type aza[6]helicene.

Copper(ii) catalyzed synthesis of novel helical luminescent benzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2-a][1,10]phenanthrolines via an intramolecular C–H amination reaction

Novel helical luminescent benzoimidazophenanthrolines were prepared using a Cu(ii) catalyzed C–H amination reaction.

Systematic investigations on fused π-system compounds of seven benzene rings prepared by photocyclization of diphenanthrylethenes

Molecular and crystal structures of photoproducts (n@m and n@mPP) from diphenanthrylethenes (nEm) were studied to understand the photocyclization patterns, and the photophysical properties.

Physicochemical and Electronic Properties of Cationic [6]Helicenes: from Chemical and Electrochemical Stabilities to Far-Red (Polarized) Luminescence

The physicochemical properties of cationic dioxa (1), azaoxa (2), and diaza (3) [6]helicenes demonstrate a much higher chemical stability of the diaza adduct 3 (pKR+ =20.4, Ered1/2 =-0.72 V) compared to its azaoxa 2 (pKR+ =15.2, Ered1/2 =-0.45 V) and dioxa 1 (pKR+ =8.8, Ered1/2 =-0.12 V) analogues. The fluorescence of these cationic chromophores is established, and ranges from the orange to the far-red regions. From 1 to 3, a bathochromic shift of the lowest energy transitions (up to 614 nm in acetonitrile) and an enhancement of the fluorescence quantum yields and lifetimes (up to 31 % and 9.8 ns, respectively, at 658 nm) are observed. The triplet quantum yields and circularly polarized luminescence are also reported. Finally, fine tuning of the optical properties of the diaza [6]helicene core is achieved through selective and orthogonal post-functionalization reactions (12 examples, compounds 4-15). The electronic absorption is modulated from the orange to the far-red spectral range (560-731 nm), and fluorescence is observed from 591 to 755 nm with enhanced quantum efficiency up to 70 % (619 nm). The influence of the peripheral auxochrome substituents is rationalized by first-principles calculations.