First friedel-crafts diacylation of a phenanthrene as the basis for an efficient synthesis of nonracemic

Resolution of a Configurationally Stable Hetero[4]helicene

We have developed an efficient chemical resolution of racemic hydroxy substituted dithia-aza[4]helicenes (DTA[4]H) 1(OH) using enantiopure acids as resolving agents. The better diastereomeric separation was achieved on esters prepared with (1S)-(−)-camphanic acid. Subsequent simple manipulations produced highly optically pure (≥ 99% enantiomeric excess) (P) and (M)-1(OH) in good yields. The role of the position where the chiral auxiliary is inserted (cape- vs. bay-zone) and the structure of the enantiopure acid used on successful resolution are discussed.

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.

Synthesis of Carbo[6]helicene Derivatives Grafted with Amino or Aminoester Substituents from Enantiopure [6]Helicenyl Boronates

Enantiopure carbo[6]helicenyl boronates were synthesized using a photocyclization reaction as the key step. These compounds were further converted to various amino derivatives using copper-catalyzed azidation or amination and reductive alkylation of benzylazide by a helicenyl dichloroborane. Asymmetric Petasis condensation with glyoxylic acid and morpholine controlled by the helical chirality afforded the corresponding amino esters.

Expanded Helicenes: A General Synthetic Strategy and Remarkable Supramolecular and Solid-State Behavior

A divergent synthetic strategy allowed access to several members of a new class of helicenes, the "expanded helicenes", which are composed of alternating linearly and angularly fused rings. The strategy is based on a three-fold, partially intermolecular [2+2+n] (n = 1 or 2) cycloaddition with substrates containing three diyne units. Investigation of aggregation behavior, both in solution and in the solid state, revealed that one of these compounds forms an unusual homochiral, π-stacked dimer via an equilibrium that is slow on the NMR time scale. The versatility of the method was harnessed to access a selenophene-annulated expanded helicene that, in contrast to its benzannulated analogue, exhibits long-range π-stacking in the solid state. The new helicenes possess low racemization barriers, as demonstrated by dynamic ¹H NMR spectroscopy.

Microwave-assisted synthesis of novel hetero[5]helicene-like molecules and coumarin derivatives

A concise and efficient approach to design and synthesize hetero[5]helicene-like molecules and coumarin derivatives is reported.

Straightforward access to mono- and bis-cycloplatinated helicenes that display circularly polarized phosphorescence using crystallization resolution methods

Enantiopure mono-cycloplatinated-[8]helicene and bis-cycloplatinated-[6]helicene derivatives were prepared through column chromatography combined with crystallization of diastereomeric complexes using a chiral ancillary sulfoxide ligand. The UV-visible spectra, circular dichroism, molar rotations, and (circularly polarized) luminescence activity of these new helical complexes have been examined in detail and analysed with the help of first-principles quantum-chemical calculations.

Facile, efficient, and diastereoselective synthesis of heterohelicene-like molecules

A concise and efficient route to new and interesting heterohelicene-like molecules has been developed through the one-pot, cascade reductive coupling reaction of o-hydroxydiimines or o-nitrodiimines and triphosgene in the presence of TiCl4/Sm. Purification of the final products only required a single recrystallization leading to high purity. High diastereoselectivity was also achieved, and two structures of the final products were confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis.

Synthesis and chiroptical properties of arylimines of cholest-4-ene-3,6-dione

In the hope of generating a new class of materials with large optical rotations, various arylamines were condensed with cholest-4-ene-3,6-dione (2) to give 3-arylimino steroids. These compounds possess moderately high specific rotations ([α](D) ~300-800) and strong circular dichroism. One such derivative, 3-(4-methoxyphenylimino)cholest-4-en-6-one (3), crystallizes as the (E)-imine and upon dissolution undergoes mutarotation to an equilibrium mixture of (E)- and (Z)-isomers with a half-life of approximately 1 h at room temperature, as judged by both NMR spectroscopy and polarimetry.

Domino Friedel-Crafts-type cyclizations of difluoroalkenes promoted by the α-cation-stabilizing effect of fluorine: an efficient method for synthesizing angular PAHs

In order to synthesize polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with nonlinear arrangements (angular PAHs), acid-promoted domino cyclizations of 1,1-difluoroalk-1-enes and 1,1-difluoroalka-1,3-dienes were studied. 1,1-Difluoroalkenes, each bearing two aryl substituents, were regioselectively protonated with FSO(3)H⋅SbF(5) to generate fluorine-stabilized carbocations, which readily underwent domino Friedel-Crafts-type cyclizations to give carbocycles based on 6/n/m/6 ring systems (n,m=5-7) in good to high yields. Protonation of 1,1-difluoroalka-1,3-dienes took place at their electron-rich methylene (CH(2)) carbon atoms in the presence of milder acids such as camphorsulfonic acid and trifluoromethanesulfonic acid. Domino cyclizations of the resulting fluorine-stabilized allylic carbocations afford carbocycles based on 6/6/6/6 or 6/6/5/6 ring systems in high yields.

1,8-Pyrenylene-ethynylene macrocycles

A concise, highly regioselective synthesis of 1,8-dibromo-4,5-dialkoxypyrenes has been developed and exploited in the synthesis of some 1,8-pyrenylene-ethynylene macrocycles. The (1)H NMR data and NICS calculations indicate that there is little or no macrocyclic ring current. Concentration-dependent UV-visible studies indicate no aggregation at low concentration, but 8b forms dimers with voids suitable for intercalation of small molecules in the solid state.

Molecular springs, muscles, rheostats, and precessing gyroscopes: from review to preview

The concepts of molecular springs and gyroscopes have existed for some time, and there have been numerous reports published about these fascinating topics. Here we describe our interest in this topic, reviewing our initial progress. This is not a complete story, rather an offering of synthetic strategies, interesting molecular structures, observations, and possibilities. In many cases, the "properties" component of the structure-property relationship for a given compound is the result of a computational prediction. Given the present state of theoretical chemistry, a computer's predictive power can far exceed that which can be presently accomplished by existing experimental analytical means. The theoretical results reported here allude to intriguing possibilities. Hopefully, this intrigue will help catalyze the development of definitive, albeit rather esoteric, single-molecule analytical experiments. The intentionally speculative nature of this review is intended to stimulate new challenges for and perspectives from those in related fields of interest; hopefully presenting a preview of what is to come.

Modified Synthesis of Heptahelicene and Its Resolution Into Single Enantiomers

A practical synthesis of racemic heptahelicene has been develeped being based on key [2+2+2] cycloisomerization of bis[2-(but-3-yn-1-yl)-1-naphthyl]acetylene under CpCo(CO)2/PPh3 or CpCo(C2H4)2 catalysis. The application of the Ni(cod)2 catalyst with (-)-(Sa)-(2'-methoxy-1,1'-binaphthalen-2-yl)diphenylphosphane resulted in enantioselective triyne cyclization to provide (+)-7,8,11,12-tetrahydroheptahelicene in 40% ee. Optically pure (-)-(M)- and optically highly enriched (+)-(P)-heptahelicene were obtained on a milligram scale by resolution of racemate by chiral HPLC on a semipreparative Whelk-O1 column.

A [5]HELOL Analogue That Senses Remote Chirality in Alcohols, Phenols, Amines, and Carboxylic Acids

A route is developed to a structural analogue of [5]HELOL, a previously reported helically grooved sensor of remote chirality. It gives the material enantiomerically pure and in multigram quantities. The enantiomers of alcohols, phenols, amines, and carboxylic acids, even when their centers of chirality are remote from any functional groups, can be differentiated by 31P NMR spectroscopic analyses of their reaction products with the chlorophosphite of this material.

Diels−Alder Additions of Benzynes within Helicene Skeletons

Although the contortions required are unprecedented, the benzynes formed by the fluoride-induced elimination of TMSOTf from o-trimethylsilyl [6]- and [7]-helicenol triflates add to another ring of the helicenes rather than to an external furan molecule.

Functionalizations of [6]- and [7]Helicenes at Their Most Sterically Hindered Positions

Although the reactions of enol ethers of aryl methyl ketones with benzoquinone make it easy to prepare nonracemic helicenes that are substituted by hydroxyl groups at their 1,omega-positions, the hydroxyl groups fail to facilitate the introduction of electrophiles ortho to them. However, ethers of [6]- and [7]helicenols prepared in this way, seemingly because of the activation by the alkoxyl groups at the 6-positions, combine with electrophilic reagents to introduce bromines and acyl groups exactly into these positions. Moreover, these bromine and acyl groups can be transformed into other functional groups (including phosphine oxides and acetylenes), the ether functions adjacent to these functional groups can then be removed, and the phenols can be oxidized to quinone-acetals. An alternative way to introduce functional groups next to the phenols is to rearrange their phosphate esters. Two reactions that differentiate the ends of the helicenes are also described.

Synthesis and properties of an aggregating heterocyclic helicene

Heterohelicene 10 is synthesized in six steps from 3,3'-bithienyl. Because the number of steps is small, because the yield is 95% in the last (the reaction of a bis-enol ether with 1,4-benzoquinone-a six-step one pot procedure that constructs the helicene skeleton), and because chromatography is not required to purify any of the products in the synthesis, significant amounts are easily prepared. To convert 10 into enantiopure 3, a helicenebisquinone surrounded by four dodecyloxy groups, requires only a precedented three-step sequence. Enantiopure helicene 3, either without solvent or in dodecane (but not in chloroform) aggregates into columnar structures whose optical properties differ markedly from those of the monomer but resemble those shown previously only by aggregates of 1. Evidence of aggregation in the pure material includes optical microscopic observation of long fibrous structures and X-ray diffraction and combined transmission electron microscopic and electron diffraction analyses showing the molecules within the fibers to be organized in columnar arrays. The circular dichroism spectra, specific rotations, and fluorescent emission spectra of the aggregated structures are all distinctive, and, as reported elsewhere, the second harmonic response is very large. The linear polarizations of the monomers' and aggregates' fluorescent emissions differ greatly. The circular polarization of the aggregates' fluorescent emission, after excitation by unpolarized light, is large.

Expeditious procedure to synthesize ethers and esters of tri- and Tetrahydroxy[6]helicenebisquinones from the dye-intermediates disodium 4-hydroxy- and 4,5-dihydroxynaphthalene-2,7-disulfonates

A procedure is described for synthesizing appreciable quantities of both the tetradodecyloxy[6]helicenebisquinone 1 (R = dodecyl), which exhibits unique optical properties but previously was difficult to prepare, and a variety of analogues. The synthesis starts from disodium 4,5-dihydroxynaphthalene-2,7-disulfonate, the commercially available dye-intermediate known as chromotropic acid. It gives enantiopure 1, with R = (i-Pr)(3)Si, whose silyl groups can be replaced by dodecyl and hexanoyl groups. The same procedure applied to disodium 4-hydroxynaphthalene-2,7-disulfonate, also an inexpensive, commercially available chemical, works equally well to produce the corresponding molecules that have one fewer side chain. Key steps are the use of tosyl groups to protect phenols and of a method described seven years ago by Satoh, Itoh, Miura, and Nomura to transform the sulfonic acid functions to iodides. The structure of tetra-(1S)-camphanate 20, the ester of the reduction product of (-)-1 [R = (i-Pr)(3)Si], was analyzed by X-ray diffraction. It shows the absolute configurations and supports the presumed basis for the rule that the (1S)-camphanates of (P)-helicen-1-ols are more polar than their (M)-diastereomers.