[2+2+2] Cycloisomerisation of Aromatic Cyanodiynes in the Synthesis of Pyridohelicenes and Their Analogues

Enantioselective synthesis of chiral quinohelicenes through sequential organocatalyzed Povarov reaction and oxidative aromatization

Heterohelicenes are of increasing importance in the fields of materials science, molecular recognition, and asymmetric catalysis. However, enantioselective construction of these molecules, especially by organocatalytic methods, is challenging, and few methods are available. In this study, we synthesize enantioenriched 1-(3-indol)-quino[n]helicenes through chiral phosphoric acid-catalyzed Povarov reaction followed by oxidative aromatization. The method has a broad substrate scope and offers rapid access to an array of chiral quinohelicenes with enantioselectivities up to 99%. Additionally, the photochemical and electrochemical properties of selected quinohelicenes are explored.

Localized Antiaromaticity Hotspot Drives Reductive Dehydrogenative Cyclizations in Bis- and Mono-Helicenes

We describe reductive dehydrogenative cyclizations that form hepta-, nona-, and decacyclic anionic graphene subunits from mono- and bis-helicenes with an embedded five-membered ring. The reaction of bis-helicenes can either proceed to the full double annulation or be interrupted by addition of molecular oxygen at an intermediate stage. The regioselectivity of the interrupted cyclization cascade for bis-helicenes confirms that relief of antiaromaticity is a dominant force for these facile ring closures. Computational analysis reveals the unique role of the preexisting negatively charged cyclopentadienyl moiety in directing the second negative charge at a specific remote location and, thus, creating a localized antiaromatic region. This region is the hotspot that promotes the initial cyclization. Computational studies, including MO analysis, molecular electrostatic potential maps, and NICS(1.7)_ZZ calculations, evaluate the interplay of the various effects including charge delocalization, helicene strain release, and antiaromaticity. The role of antiaromaticity relief is further supported by efficient reductive closure of the less strained monohelicenes where the relief of antiaromaticity promotes the cyclization even when the strain is substantially reduced. The latter finding significantly expands the scope of this reductive alternative to the Scholl ring closure.

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.

Photocatalytic Biheterocyclization of 1,7-Diynes for Accessing Skeletally Diverse Tricyclic 2-Pyranones

A new and green route to skeletally diverse oxo-heterocyclic architectures such as pyrano[3,4-c]chromen-2-ones and pyrano[3,4-c]quinolin-2-ones is reported via an unprecedented photocatalytic Kharasch-type cyclization/1,5-(S_N″)-substitution/elimination/6π-electrocyclization/double nucleophilic substitution cascade starting from easily available heteroatom-linked 1,7-diynes and low-cost CBrCl₃. During this reaction process, the full scission of carbon-halogen bonds of BrCCl₃ was realized to directly build two new rings, including a lactone scaffold, using H₂O as the oxygen source of the ester group.

Synthesis of Aza[n]phenacenes (n = 4-6) via Photocyclodehydrochlorination of 2-Chloro-N-aryl-1-naphthamides

A novel methodology for the synthesis of aza[n]phenacenes was successfully developed utilizing photocyclodehydrochlorination reaction of 2-chloro-N-aryl-1-naphthamides. In these key intermediates, the factors influencing the photoreaction were studied. The target aza[n]phenacenes were obtained by triflation or chlorination from prepared phenanthridinones, followed by hydrogenation. The introduction of a nitrogen atom into a phenacene skeleton induced changes in the physicochemical properties. The important properties of prepared aza[n]phenacenes (n = 4-6) were studied experimentally and by density functional theory calculations and were compared to those of their carbo analogues. Furthermore, some important features of the crystalline aza[n]phenacenes were investigated, including intermolecular interaction in the crystal lattice and the increased solubility or decreased melting points.

Heterohelicenes through 1,3-Dipolar Cycloaddition of Sydnones with Arynes: Synthesis, Origins of Selectivity, and Application to pH-Triggered Chiroptical Switch with CPL Sign Reversal

Regioselective access to heterohelicenes through the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of sydnones with arynes is described. Novel access to sydnones and poly(hetero)aromatic aryne precursors allowed the introduction of chemical diversity over multiple positions of the helical scaffolds. The origins of the unconventional regioselectivity during the cycloaddition steps was systematically investigated using density functional theory (DFT) calculations, unveiling the key features that control this reactivity, namely, face-to-face (π···π) or edge-to-face (C-H···π) interactions, primary orbital interactions and distortion from coplanarity in the transition structures (TSs) of the transformation. From the library of 24 derivatives synthesized, a pyridyl containing derivative displayed reversible, red-shifted, pH-triggered chiroptical switching properties, with CPL-sign reversal. It is found that protonation of the helicene causes a change of the angle between the electric and magnetic dipole moments related to the S₁ → S₀ transition, resulting in this rare case of reversible CPL sign inversion upon application of an external stimulus.

Rhodium-Catalyzed Enantioselective Synthesis, Structures, and Properties of Single and Double Azahelicene-Like Molecules

The enantioselective synthesis of aza[6] and [7]helicene-like molecules have been achieved by the cationic rhodium(I)/axially chiral biaryl bisphosphine complex-catalyzed intramolecular [2+2+2] cycloaddition of cyanodiynes. This protocol was successfully applied to the diastereo- and enantioselective synthesis of an S-shaped double aza[6]helicene-like molecule with a high ee value of 89 %. Although no epimerization and racemization were observed in the double carbo[6]helicene-like molecule at 80 °C, epimerization and racemization of the double aza[6]helicene-like molecule proceeded at 80 °C. This double aza[6]helicene-like molecule showed good fluorescent quantum yields and chiroptical responses under both neutral and acidic conditions.

Robust Cobalt Catalyst for Nitrile/Alkyne [2+2+2] Cycloaddition: Synthesis of Polyarylpyridines and Their Mechanochemical Cyclodehydrogenation to Nitrogen-Containing Polyaromatics*

The transition-metal-catalyzed [2+2+2] cycloaddition of nitriles and alkynes is an established synthetic approach to pyridines; however, these cycloadditions often rely on the use of tethered diynes or cyanoalkynes as one of the reactants. Thus, examples of efficient, fully intermolecular catalytic [2+2+2] pyridine synthesis, especially those employing unactivated nitriles and internal alkynes leading to pentasubstituted pyridines, remain scarce. Herein, we report on simple and inexpensive catalytic systems based on cobalt(II) iodide, 1,3-bis(diphenylphosphino)propane, and Zn that promote [2+2+2] cycloaddition of various nitriles and diarylacetylenes for the synthesis of a broad range of polyarylated pyridines. DFT studies support a reaction pathway involving oxidative coupling of two alkynes, insertion of the nitrile into a cobaltacyclopentadiene, and C-N reductive elimination. The resulting tetra- and pentaarylpyridines serve as precursors to hitherto unprecedented nitrogen-containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons via mechanochemically assisted multifold reductive cyclodehydrogenation.

Enantioselective Synthesis of 1-Aryl Benzo[5]helicenes Using BINOL-Derived Cationic Phosphonites as Ancillary Ligands

The synthesis of unprecedented BINOL-derived cationic phosphonites is described. Through the use of these phosphanes as ancillary ligands in AuI catalysis, a highly regio- and enantioselective assembly of appropriately designed alkynes into 1-(aryl)benzo[5]carbohelicenes is achieved. The modular synthesis of these ligands and the enhanced reactivity that they impart to AuI -centers after coordination have been found to be the key features that allow an optimization of the reaction conditions until the desired benzo[5]helicenes are obtained with high yield and enantioselectivity.

Rhodium-Catalyzed Highly Diastereo- and Enantioselective Synthesis of a Configurationally Stable S-Shaped Double Helicene-Like Molecule

An S-shaped double helicene-like molecule (>99 % ee), possessing stable helical chirality, has been synthesized by the rhodium(I)/difluorphos complex-catalyzed highly diastereo- and enantioselective intramolecular double [2+2+2] cycloaddition of a 2-naphthol- and benzene-linked hexayne. The collision between two terminal naphthalene rings destabilizes the helical chirality of the S-shaped double helicene-like molecule, but the introduction of two additional fused benzene rings significantly increases the configurational stability. Thus, no epimerization and racemization were observed even at 100 °C. The enantiopure S-shaped double helicene-like molecule forms a trimer through the multiple C-H⋅⋅⋅π and C-H⋅⋅⋅O interactions in the solid-state. The trimers stack to form columnar packing structures, in which neighboring stacks have opposite dipole directions. The accumulation of helical structures in the same direction in the S-shaped double helicene-like molecule enhanced the chiroptical properties.

Helically Chiral Aromatics: The Synthesis of Helicenes by [2 + 2 + 2] Cycloisomerization of π-Electron Systems

Advanced molecular nanocarbons are now in the spotlight reflecting the basic discoveries of fullerenes, carbon nanotubes, and graphene. This research area includes also the chemistry, physics, and nanoscience of nonplanar polycyclic hydrocarbons, many of which exhibit helical chirality, such as iconic helicenes and their congeners. The combination of unique π-electron systems with the chirality phenomenon makes them highly attractive in various fields of science. Helicenes are polyaromatic compounds that are composed of all-angularly annulated benzene units, but other (hetero)cycles can also be embedded into their backbone. Even though they do not contain any stereogenic center, they are inherently chiral owing to the helical shape they adopt. Hexahelicene and higher homologues are conformationally stable within a reasonable range of temperatures and, therefore, can be obtained in an enantiopure form through a racemate resolution or asymmetric synthesis. An amazing array of synthetic methods for their preparation has been developed, but only a few of them have passed the tough scrutiny to be general, robust and practical methods such as traditional photocyclodehydrogenation of diaryl olefins and recently developed transition-metal-catalyzed [2 + 2 + 2] cycloisomerization of π-electron systems, which is discussed in this Account. Alkyne [2 + 2 + 2] cycloisomerization is a highly exergonic process and is therefore suitable for forming the strained helicene backbone, three (or more) cycles of which are closed in a single operation. The typical starting materials are aromatic triynes (optionally cyanodiynes or ynedinitriles) or tetraynes with diynes that undergo intramolecular or intermolecular cyclization, respectively, catalyzed by various complexes mainly of Ni⁰, Co^I, or Rh^I. Utilizing this synthetic methodology, various [5]-, [6]-, [7]-, [9]-, [11]-, [13]-, [16]-, [17]-, and [19]helicenes or their congeners, including functionalized derivatives, can be effectively prepared. Moreover, asymmetric synthesis (both catalytic and stoichiometric) of nonracemic helicenes has already been demonstrated. It relies on [2 + 2 + 2] cycloisomerization of centrally chiral triynes followed by an asymmetric transformation of the first order (controlled by the 1,3-allylic-type strain) or on enantioselective [2 + 2 + 2] cycloisomerization of alkynes catalyzed by chiral complexes mainly of Ni⁰ or Rh^I. Intriguingly, advanced helical architectures were formed such as the longest helicenes (up to oxa[19]helicene by closing 12 rings in a single synthetic operation) or laterally extended helicenes (e.g., pyreno[7]helicenes). Utilizing the aforementioned synthetic methodology, the tailor-made helical molecular nanocarbons are now better accessible to be applied in enantioselective catalysis, chirality sensing, spintronics (based on chirality induced spin selectivity), chiroptics (to produce circularly polarized light emission), organic/molecular electronics, or chiral single molecule devices.

Selective construction of functionalized chromeno[3,4-b]pyrroles and benzo[c]chromenesviaa K3PO4promoted three-component reaction

A K₃PO₄promoted three-component reaction of pivaloylacetonitrile (benzoylacetonitrile), dialkyl but-2-ynedioates and 2-aryl-3-nitrochromenes afforded functionalized chromeno[3,4-b]pyrroles.

Enantioselective Control of Both Helical and Axial Stereogenic Elements though an Organocatalytic Approach

A highly diastereo- and enantio-selective method for the asymmetric synthesis of molecules containing helicenes and stereogenic axes was developed based on organocatalysis. Various compounds bearing both helical and axial stereogenic elements were obtained in excellent enantioselectivities. The mechanism study revealed that the reaction proceeded through two stages: 1) The first cyclization produces a reaction intermediate containing a stereogenic axis. 2) The dynamic kinetic resolution of helix reaction intermediate following with cyclization generates a helix and another stereogenic axis.

Site-selective synthesis of functionalized dibenzo[f,h]quinolines and their derivatives involving cyclic diaryliodonium salts via a decarboxylative annulation strategy

An unprecedented site-selective synthesis of dibenzo[f,h]quinolines and their derivatives was reported via an acid directed decarboxylative annulation cascade.

Molecular diversity of the domino annulation reaction of 2-aryl-3-nitrochromenes with pivaloylacetonitriles

In the presence of triethylamine, the domino annulation reaction of two molecules of pivaloylacetonitrile with one molecule of 2-aryl-3-nitrochromene in tetrahydrofuran resulted in the unprecedented imino-substituted dihydrofuro[2,3-c]chromene derivatives in high yields.

Laterally π-Extended Dithia[6]helicenes with Heptagons: Saddle-Helix Hybrid Molecules

A laterally π-extended dithia[6]helicene 1, representing an interesting saddle-helix hybrid molecule containing an unusual heptagon, has been synthesized by MoCl₅-mediated oxidative stitching of tetrakis(thienylphenyl)naphthalene precursor 2 involving reactive-site capping by chlorination and subsequent Pd-mediated dechlorination of tetrachlorinated intermediate 1-Cl₄. Highly distorted, wide helical structures of dithia[6]helicenes (1 and 1-Cl₄) were clarified by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses where heterochiral slipped π-π stacking was displayed in a one-dimensional fashion. Notably, theoretical studies on the thermodynamic behavior of 1 predicted an extraordinarily high isomerization barrier of 49.7 kcal·mol^-1, which enabled optical resolution and chiroptical measurements. Electronic structures of these huge helicenes were also examined by photophysical and electrochemical measurements.

Ruthenium-Catalyzed [2 + 2 + 2] Cycloaddition Reaction Forming 2-Aminopyridine Derivatives from α,ω-Diynes and Cyanamides

A novel, efficient, and mild synthetic route for the preparation of 2-aminopyridines via ruthenium-mediated [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition of α,ω-diynes and cyanamides has been developed. This atom-economical catalytic process demonstrated remarkable regioselectivities to access pyridine derivatives of high synthetic utility.

Synthesis, Structure, and Photophysical/Chiroptical Properties of Benzopicene-Based π-Conjugated Molecules

The convenient synthesis of substituted benzopicenes and azabenzopicenes has been achieved by the cationic rhodium(I)/H₈-BINAP or BINAP complex-catalyzed [2+2+2] cycloaddition under mild conditions. This method was applied to the synthesis of benzopicene-based long ladder and helical molecules. The X-ray crystal structure analysis revealed that the benzopicene-based helical molecule is highly distorted and the average distance of overlapped rings is markedly shorter than that in the triphenylene-based helical molecule. Photophysical and chiroptical properties of these benzopicene and azabenzopicene derivatives have also been examined. With respect to photophysical properties, substituted benzopicenes and azabenzopicenes showed red shifts of absorption and emission maxima compared with the corresponding triphenylenes and azatriphenylenes. With respect to chiroptical properties, the CPL spectra of the benzopicene-based helical molecule showed two opposite peaks, and thus the value of the CPL was smaller than that of the triphenylene-based helical molecule presumably due to the presence of two chiral fluorophores.

Solvent-free ruthenium trichloride-mediated [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition of α,ω-diynes and cyanamides: a convenient access to 2-aminopyridines

A convenient access to functionalized 2-aminopyridinesviaa solventless Ru-catalyzed [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition reaction of α,ω-diynes and cyanamides is described.