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

Highly Contorted Rigid Nitrogen-Rich Nanographene with Four Heptagons

Nucleophilic substitution of 9,10-dichlorooctafluoroanthracene with 3,4-diethylpyrrole and subsequent Scholl reaction give the annularly fused decapyrrollyl anthracene. Single crystal X-ray analysis revealed a highly contorted geometry induced by a combination of adjacent heptagons, forming a unique 7-7-6-7-7 topology. The end-to-end twist angle along the acene moiety is 90°. Cyclic voltammetry studies reveal 6-electron oxidation waves. Density functional theory calculations provided further insights into the aromaticity and electronic properties of this highly twisted, nitrogen-rich nanographene. The structural rigidity and high racemization energy barrier have been studied theoretically and experimentally by VT-NMR.

Synthesis and Properties of Azahomocorannulenyl Cations and Radicals

Cycloheptatrienyl (tropyl) molecules are representative non-alternant hydrocarbons that offer interesting chemistry because of their unique structures and properties. However, there have been a limited number of polycyclic aromatic tropyl cations and radicals reported in the literature. Herein, we report the synthesis of a series of azahomocorannulene derivatives, where the key reactions are a 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of polycyclic aromatic azomethine ylides with dibenzotropone and a subsequent palladium-catalyzed cyclization. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the obtained azahomocorannulenyl cation and radical adopt planar structures and exhibit unique packing structures. Their electronic and optical properties were investigated experimentally and theoretically to reveal their aromatic character.

Photoreactive Carbon Dioxide Capture by a Zirconium-Nanographene Metal-Organic Framework

The mechanism of photochemical CO₂ reduction to formate by PCN-136, a Zr-based metal-organic framework (MOF) that incorporates light-harvesting nanographene ligands, has been investigated using steady-state and time-resolved spectroscopy and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The catalysis was found to proceed via a "photoreactive capture" mechanism, where Zr-based nodes serve to capture CO₂ in the form of Zr-bicarbonates, while the nanographene ligands have a dual role of absorbing light and storing one-electron equivalents for catalysis. We also find that the process occurs via a "two-for-one" route, where a single photon initiates a cascade of electron/hydrogen atom transfers from the sacrificial donor to the CO₂-bound MOF. The mechanistic findings obtained here illustrate several advantages of MOF-based architectures in molecular photocatalyst engineering and provide insights on ways to achieve high formate selectivity.

Tridecacyclene Tetraimide: An Easily Reduced Cyclooctatetraene Derivative

Tridecacyclene tetraimide, TCTI, an electron-deficient non-benzenoid nanocarbon with a C56 N4 polycyclic framework was obtained in a concise synthesis. TCTI has a non-planar structure and forms π-stacked dimers in the solid state. In solution, it undergoes eight single-electron reductions, yielding a range of negatively charged states up to an octaanion. Except for the latter species, which has a remarkably large electronic gap, the anions feature extended near-infrared absorptions, with a particularly strong band at 1692 nm observed for the dianion. A computational analysis of the TCTI anions shows that their stability originates from the combined effects of electron-deficient imide groups and the local aromaticity of reduced acenaphthylene units. The properties of TCTI make it potentially useful in electrochromic and charge storage applications.

Naphthalimide-Fused Dipyrrins: Tunable Halochromic Switches and Photothermal NIR-II Dyes

A family of tunable halochromic switches is developed using a naphthalimide-fused dipyrrin as the core π-conjugated motif. Electronic properties of these dipyrrins are tuned by substitution of their alpha and meso positions with aryl groups of variable donor-acceptor strength. The first protonation results in a conformational change that enhances electronic coupling between the dipyrrin chromophore and the meso substituent, leading to halochromic effects that occasionally exceed 200 nm and switch the absorption between the near-infrared (NIR)-I and NIR-II ranges. A NIR-II photothermal effect, switchable by acid-base chemistry is demonstrated for selected dipyrrins. Further protonation is possible for derivatives bearing additional amino groups, leading to up to four halochromic switching step. The most electron-rich dipyrrins are also susceptible to chemical oxidation, yielding NIR-absorbing radical cations and closed-shell dications.

Synthesis of a donor-acceptor heterodimer via trifunctional completive self-sorting

Selective self-assembly of heterodimers consisting of two non-identical subunits plays important roles in Nature but is rarely encountered in synthetic supramolecular systems. Here we show that photocleavage of a donor–acceptor porphyrin complex produces an heterodimeric structure with surprising selectivity. The system forms via a multi-step sequence that starts with an oxidative ring opening, which produces an equimolar mixture of two isomeric degradation products (zinc(II) bilatrien-abc-ones, BTOs). These two isomers are susceptible to water addition, yielding the corresponding zinc(II) 15-hydroxybiladien-ab-ones (HBDOs). However, in the photocleavage experiment only one HBDO isomer is formed, and it quantitatively combines with the remaining BTO isomer. The resulting heterodimer is stabilized by a Zn–O coordination bond and extended dispersion interactions between the overlapping π-surfaces of the monomers. The observed selectivity can be seen as a case of completive self-sorting, simultaneously controlled by three types of complementary interactions.

The preparation of heterodimeric structures via self-assembly processes is challenging. Here, the authors report the photooxidation of a donor–acceptor metalloporphyrin, which enables a self-sorting process that yields an heterodimer quantitatively.

Steric Hindrance Favors σ Dimerization over π Dimerization for Julolidine Dicyanomethyl Radicals

Metastable radicals exist in a steady-state equilibrium in solution with dimers, which can be either σ dimers or π dimers. Here, we show that steric hindrance at the para position causes julolidine-derived dicyanomethyl radicals to form σ dimers rather than π dimers, the opposite behavior as seen in other carbon-centered radicals, where steric hindrance typically favors pimerization. The change in dimerization mode can be attributed to weaker London dispersion forces and a decreased orbital overlap in the sterically hindered dicyanomethyl radical π dimers, while the bulky groups exert relatively little effect on the energy of the σ dimer.

Acenaphtho[1,2-d][1,2,3]triazole and Its Kuratowski Complex: A π-Extended Tecton for Supramolecular and Coordinative Self-Assembly

π-Extended acenaphtho[1,2-d][1,2,3]triazoles, the unsubstituted Anta-H and its di-tert-butyl derivative Dibanta-H, as well as 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-1H-naphtho[2,3-d][1,2,3]triazole Cybta-H were obtained in concise syntheses. In the solid state, Dibanta-H forms an unprecedented hydrogen-bonded cyclic tetrad, stabilized by dispersion interactions of the bulky tBu substituents, whereas a cyclic triad was found in the crystal structure of Anta-H. These cyclic assemblies form infinite slipped stacks in the crystals. Evidence for analogous hydrogen-bonded self-assembly in solution was provided by low-temperature NMR spectroscopy and computational analyses. Kuratowski-type pentanuclear complexes [Zn5 Cl4 (Dibanta)6 ] and [Zn5 Cl4 (Cybta)6 ] were prepared from the respective triazoles. In the Dibanta complexes, the π-aromatic surfaces of the ligands extend from the edges of the tetrahedral Zn5 core, yielding an enlarged structure with significant internal molecular free volume and red-shifted fluorescence.

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.

Acenaphthylene-Fused Ullazines: Fluorescent π-Extended Monopyrroles with Tunable Electronic Gaps

π-Extended dibenzoullazines containing an acenaphthylene subunit were designed and synthesized. Two different synthetic strategies were employed: route A, based on Pd-catalyzed cyclodehydrohalogenation of α,α-disubstituted N-arylpyrroles, and route B, using a...

Synthesis, Properties, and Packing Structures of Wing-Shaped N-Doped Nanographene in Various Oxidation States

A rigid wing-shaped bicyclo[2.2.2]octadiene-fused bis-hexapyrrolohexaazacoronene (HPHAC) is synthesized, and subsequent chemical oxidation affords a stable biradical dication and an aromatic tetracation. The physicochemical properties and single-crystal structures in various oxidation states are characterized. The face-to-face π-stacked dimeric structures are observed in the neutral and dicationic states. The HPHAC flakes can act as aromatic walls in a tetracation state, producing enlarged induced magnetic shielding space through the superimposition effect.

An Open-Shell Coronoid with Hybrid Chichibabin-Schlenk Conjugation

A hexaradicaloid molecule with alternating Kekulé and non-Kekulé connectivities between adjacent spin centers was obtained by fusing two classic conjugation motifs, found respectively in the Chichibabin and Schlenk hydrocarbons, into a coronoid structure. 1 H NMR, ESR and SQUID experiments, combined with computational analyses reveal that the system has a singlet ground state, characterized by a significant hexaradicaloid character ( γ 0 = 0.826, γ 1 = γ 2 = 0.773). It possesses multiple thermally accessible high-spin states (up to the septet), with uniform energy gaps of ca 1.0 kcal/mol between consecutive multiplicities. In line with its open-shell character, the coronoid has a small electronic bandgap of ca. 0.8 eV and undergoes two consecutive one-electron oxidations at low potentials, yielding cationic forms with extended near-infrared absorption. The hexaradicaloid, which combines open-shell and macrocyclic contributions to its π conjugation, provides an example of a design strategy for multistate spin switches and redox-amphoteric NIR dyes.

Non-Planar Perylene Bisimide Analogues with Inserted Carbonyl and Methylene Subunits

The synthesis and properties of dinaphthotropone bisimide (DNTrBI) and dinaphthocycloheptatriene bisimide (DNCHepBI) are described. Their molecular design is conceptually based on the insertion of a carbon atom into a perylene bisimide (PBI) core. These molecules adopt non-planar structures due to the presence of a seven-membered ring. The PBI derivative into which a carbonyl group was inserted (DNTrBI) immediately underwent nonradiative decay and/or intersystem crossing in its excited state. The PBI derivative into which a methylene group was inserted (DNCHepBI) was susceptible to deprotonation on account of the two electron-withdrawing naphthalene monoimide units. Subsequent aerobic oxidation resulted in the formation of a C-C bond at the central methylene unit, thus affording a σ-dimer. The formation of this C-C bond is dynamically redox-active, i.e., electron injection into the σ-dimer almost quantitatively regenerated the deprotonated DNCHepBI.

Unveiling the Hidden σ-Dimerization of a Kinetically Protected Olympicenyl Radical

The σ-dimer of a kinetically protected olympicenyl radical, which evaded the experimental detection, was revealed by conversion into biolympicenylidene with E-configuration in a regioselective manner. The complicated stereochemistry and energetics of the σ-dimers derived from C_2v symmetry and uneven spin distribution of the olympicenyl radical were revealed by the theoretical calculations, and the energetic preference of π-dimer over σ-dimer by a minute gap was disclosed. The E-biolympicenylidene, a polycyclic ene structure previously considered as reactive intermediate in the phenalenyl radical system, exhibited exceptional stability, which allowed for a detailed investigation on its singlet diradical character and physical properties by means of X-ray crystallography, UV-vis-NIR absorption/emission spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry, and assisted by theoretical calculations. The E-biolympicenylidene showed high resistance towards both thermal and photochemical ring-cyclization reactions, which was attributed to high activation energies for the rate-determining electrocyclization operated on both disrotatory and conrotatory mode, as well as a small spin density at the bonding sites for the radical-radical coupling process.

Chiral Interlocked Corrole Dimers Directly Linked at Inner Carbon Atoms of Confused Pyrrole Rings

A facile synthetic strategy towards conformationally stable chiral chromophores based on dimeric porphyrinoids has been established. A peculiar class of face-to-face intramolecularly interlocked corrole dimers were formed by the oxidative C-C coupling linked at the inner carbon sites upon simple treatment of copper(II) ions. Their intrinsic electronic structures were modulated by the peripheral corrole ring annulations, which lead to distinct optical properties and redox profiles. The stereogenic carbon centers implemented in the confused corrole skeleton provided a rationale for designing novel chiral materials.

Dynamic Covalent Properties of a Novel Indolo[3,2-b]carbazole Diradical

This work describes the synthesis and properties of a dicyanomethylene-substituted indolo[3,2-b]carbazole diradical ICz-CN. This quinoidal system dimerises almost completely to (ICz-CN)₂ , which contains two long C(sp³ )-C(sp³ ) σ-bonds between the dicyanomethylene units. The minor open-shell ICz-CN component in the solid-state mixture was identified by EPR spectroscopy. Cyclic voltammetry and UV-visible spectroelectrochemical data, as well as comparison with reference monomer ICz-Br reveal that the nature of the one-electron oxidation of (ICz-CN)₂ at ambient temperature and ICz-CN at elevated temperature is very similar in all these compounds due to the prevailing localization of their HOMO on the ICz backbone. The peculiar cathodic behaviour reflects the co-existence of (ICz-CN)₂ and ICz-CN. The involvement of the dicyanomethylene groups stabilizes the close-lying LUMO and LUMO+1 of (ICz-CN)₂ and especially ICz-CN compared to ICz-Br, resulting in a distinctive cathodic response at low overpotentials. Differently from neutral ICz-CN, its radical anion and dianion are remarkably stable under ambient conditions. The UV/Vis(-NIR) electronic transitions in parent (ICz-CN)₂ and ICz-CN and their different redox forms have been assigned convincingly with the aid of TD-DFT calculations. The σ-bond in neutral (ICz-CN)₂ is cleaved in solution and in the solid-state upon soft external stimuli (temperature, pressure), showing a strong chromism from light yellow to blue-green. Notably, in the solid state, the monomeric diradical species is predominantly formed under high hydrostatic pressure (>1 GPa).

Porphyrin-Ryleneimide Hybrids: Tuning of Visible and Near-Infrared Absorption by Chromophore Desymmetrization

Unsymmetrically fused porphyrins containing one or two naphthalimide subunits were prepared in modular syntheses relying on electron-rich and electron-poor pyrrole building blocks. These new chromophores show progressive changes in their electron-deficient character, while retaining comparably small optical and electrochemical band gaps. The intrinsic curvature and extended optical absorption of these systems make them of interest as mono- and difunctional components of multichromophoric assemblies.

Porphyrin-Ryleneimide Hybrids: Low-Bandgap Acceptors in Energy-Transfer Cassettes

Energy-transfer cassettes consisting of naphthaleneimide-fused metalloporphyrin acceptors (M=Zn and Pd) and BODIPY donors have been designed and synthesized. These systems have rigid pseudo-tetrahedral structures with a donor-acceptor separation of ca. 17.5 Å. Spectroscopic investigations, including femtosecond transient absorption measurements, showed efficient excitation energy transfer (EET) occurring according to the Förster mechanism. Strong fluorescence of the donor units and significant spectral overlap of the donor and acceptor subunits are prerequisites for the efficient EET in these systems.

Bipyrrole boomerangs via Pd-mediated tandem cyclization-oxygenation. Controlling reaction selectivity and electronic properties

Boomerang-shaped bipyrroles containing donor-acceptor units were obtained through a tandem palladium-mediated reaction consisting of a cyclization step, involving double C-H bond activation, and a double α-oxygenation. The latter reaction can be partly suppressed for the least reactive systems, providing access to α-unsubstituted boomerangs for the first time. These "α-free" systems are highly efficient fluorophores, with emission quantum yields exceeding 80% in toluene. Preliminary measurements show that helicene-like boomerangs may be usable as circularly polarized luminescent materials.

Synthesis and Properties of NitroHPHAC: The First Example of Substitution Reaction on HPHAC

Hexapyrrolohexaazacoronene (HPHAC) is one of the N-containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in which six pyrroles are fused circularly around a benzene. Despite the recent development of HPHAC analogues, there is no report on direct introduction of functional groups into the HPHAC skeleton. This work reports the first example of nitration reaction of decaethylHPHAC. The structures of nitrodecaethylHPHAC including neutral and two oxidized species (radical cation and dication), intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) character, and global aromaticity of the dication are discussed.

A remarkably air-stable quinodimethane radical cation

An ambient-stable radical cation of a Thiele's hydrocarbon derivative has been synthesized and its properties have been explored using a combined experimental and computational approach.

Dimerization of indenocorannulene radicals: imposing stability through increasing strain and curvature

One-electron reduction of bowl-shaped indenocorannulene affords a new stable dimeric dianion, as confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, NMR and UV-vis spectroscopy, and DFT calculations.