Total Synthesis of Alanense A through an Intramolecular Friedel-Crafts Alkylation

The first total synthesis of cadinane sesquiterpenoid alanense A, in which an intramolecular dehydrative Friedel-Crafts alkylation of 2,5-diaryl-2-pentanol is incorporated as a key step, has been achieved. The combinatorial use of p-TsOH·H2O as a catalyst and 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-propanol (HFIP) as a solvent provides 1,1-disubstituted tetrahydronaphthalene in 97% yield. It was also found that the combination of p-TsOH and HFIP is effective for the removal of phenolic MOM ether.

Carbon-based Biradicals: Structural and Magnetic Switching

Sterically hindered C═C double bonds often deform into a bent or twisted geometry. Thus, many overcrowded ethylenes or anthraquinodimethanes can adopt multiple conformations, such as a folded form or a twisted form, which are interconvertible under the application of external stimuli. A perpendicular form with biradical character can also be adopted when designed to incorporate a stable carbon-based radical unit, which is involved in stimuli-responsive magnetic switching accompanied by a structural change. This review focuses on recent advances in the development of such strained π-electron systems and reveals the factors that affect the mutual interconversion and switching behavior. The energy barrier for the interconversion of conformational isomers is affected by the tricyclic skeleton or bulky substituents on the C═C double bonds, whereas the relative stability of the perpendicular biradical form increases with the additional insertion of 9,10-anthrylene units into the C═C double bonds.

Tetrathiafulvalene-Inserted Diphenoquinone: Synthesis, Structure, and Dynamic Redox Property

A new tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) derivative is synthesized, which is substituted with two phenoxy radicals on one 1,3-dithiole ring, and may have either open-shell diradical or closed-shell extended-quinoidal ground states. X-ray single crystal analysis and NMR measurements prove that this molecule has a closed-shell extended quinoidal structure both in the solid state and in solution. DFT calculations show the donor-acceptor electronic properties of this molecule with a well-separated HOMO-LUMO distribution and a small HOMO-LUMO energy gap. Because of this donor-acceptor character, this molecule gives both the dication and the dianion species by electrochemical oxidation and reduction. Furthermore, during the redox process between the neutral and dication states, this molecule exhibits unique changes in the cyclic voltammogram upon repeating the cycles or varying the scan rate. The observed electrochemical behavior is explained by the conformational changes in the electrochemically generated species, thus indicating that this molecule is classified as a dynamic redox system.

Organic Photochromic Radical Compound Based on a Biindenylidene System

A novel dual functional biindenylidene derivative (4) having nitronyl nitroxide radicals on both sides of the molecules, was synthesised. Its photochromism, as well as magnetic properties were investigated. The compound 4 underwent photochromic reactions by irradiation with UV and visible light. The intermolecular magnetic interactions were measured with a SQUID susceptometer.

Control of Magnetic Properties through External Stimuli

The magnetic properties of many magnetic materials can be controlled by external stimuli. The principal focus here is on the thermal, photochemical, electrochemical, and chemical control of phase transitions that involve changes in magnetization. The molecular compounds described herein range from metal complexes, through pure organic compounds to composite materials. Most of the Review is devoted to the properties of valence-tautomeric compounds, molecular magnets, and spin-crossover complexes, which could find future application in memory devices or optical switches.