How to Stabilize Large Soluble (Hetero-)Acenes.

The higher acenes and azaacenes (>(aza)heptacenes) are fascinating, yet elusive materials. Their reactivity and sensitivity increases concomitantly with their size. In recent years, confinement techniques, that is isolation of acenes in matrices and on surfaces, has surpassed solution-based chemistry with respect to accessing the larger (hetero)acenes at the price of the accessibility of no more than a couple thousands of molecules. Isolating acenes in bulk quantities and in processable form is vital for applications in organic electronics as well as from a viewpoint from basic research. In this Perspective, we will discuss after a short historical outline their degradation pathways, and then will selectively highlight recent efforts in stabilizing soluble (aza)acenes.

Stabilizing Azaheptacenes.

The symmetrical 7,16-diaza-6,8,15,17-tetrakis(triisopropylsilylethynyl)heptacene was obtained by a Pd-catalyzed reaction of a 2,3-diamino-1,4-diethynylanthracene with a 2,3-dibromo-1,4-diethynyl anthracene. Positioning the TIPS-ethynyl groups adjacent to the central ring suppresses dimerization via [4+4] cycloadditions and Diels-Alder reactions; the middle pyrazine ring renders this species stable to oxidation. A single crystal structure was obtained, and thin film transistors with µn = 0.042 cm2 V-1 s-1 were produced. Transposition of the alkynyl groups into the 5,8,15,18-positions with a quinoxaline unit in the center of the heptacene decreases the stability, as does the introduction of two more nitrogen atoms into the 5,18-positions. The hydrocarbon 6,8,15,17-tetrakis(triisopropylsilylethynyl)heptacene is reasonably stable with a half-life of 25 h in solution. Four correctly placed TIPS-ethynyl groups protect heptacene cores.

Stabilization of Acenes: "Geländer"-Pentacenes.

We report soluble tetrakis-biphenylyl substituted pentacenes comprised of sp2 carbons and synthesized from pentacene-5,7,12,14-tetraone. Intramolecular Yamamoto coupling of two tetrakis(chlorobiphenylyl)pentacenes yields helical, doubly wrapped pentacenes, in which the quaterphenylene units solubilize the pentacenes and shield their central anthracene units to an unprecedented degree. The criss-cross-bridged pentacenes resist (photo)oxidation, Diels-Alder reactions and are much less reactive than TIPS-ethynylated pentacene. Extension of this concept might provide access to the larger acenes.

Multi-trait analysis characterizes the genetics of thyroid function and identifies causal associations with clinical implications.

To date only a fraction of the genetic footprint of thyroid function has been clarified. We report a genome-wide association study meta-analysis of thyroid function in up to 271,040 individuals of European ancestry, including reference range thyrotropin (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), free and total triiodothyronine (T3), proxies for metabolism (T3/FT4 ratio) as well as dichotomized high and low TSH levels. We revealed 259 independent significant associations for TSH (61% novel), 85 for FT4 (67% novel), and 62 novel signals for the T3 related traits. The loci explained 14.1%, 6.0%, 9.5% and 1.1% of the total variation in TSH, FT4, total T3 and free T3 concentrations, respectively. Genetic correlations indicate that TSH associated loci reflect the thyroid function determined by free T3, whereas the FT4 associations represent the thyroid hormone metabolism. Polygenic risk score and Mendelian randomization analyses showed the effects of genetically determined variation in thyroid function on various clinical outcomes, including cardiovascular risk factors and diseases, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. In conclusion, our results improve the understanding of thyroid hormone physiology and highlight the pleiotropic effects of thyroid function on various diseases.

Thermolysis of Biphenylene toward Cyclo-ortho-phenylenes.

The solvent and catalyst free thermolysis of biphenylenes at 350 °C furnishes [n]cyclo-ortho-phenylenes ([n]COPs, n=4-10) in one step and in high yields. At 400 °C biphenylene dimerizes into tetraphenylene, but lower reaction temperatures produce cyclooligomers. If suitably substituted, the oligomers are soluble and can be isolated and characterized. The products are exclusively cyclic. In the crystalline state, [6]COP displays an alternating crown-shaped conformation.

Doubly Bridged Anthracenes: Blue Emitters for OLEDs.

The photooxidative stability of a series of doubly bridged anthracenes was evaluated after their preparation via twofold macrocyclization of a bis(resorcinyl)anthracene. Lightfastness correlates with the energy levels of the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO), resulting in superior stability of the tetraesters compared to the tetraethers. The lengths and steric demand of the linker only plays a minor role for the ester-based compounds, which can be prepared in reasonable yields and thus tested in proof-of-concept organic light-emitting diodes. Double ester-bridging allows deep blue electro-luminescence, highlighting the importance of the choice of the functional groups used for macrocyclization.

A large meta-analysis identifies genes associated with anterior uveitis.

Anterior Uveitis (AU) is the inflammation of the anterior part of the eye, the iris and ciliary body and is strongly associated with HLA-B*27. We report AU exome sequencing results from eight independent cohorts consisting of 3,850 cases and 916,549 controls. We identify common genome-wide significant loci in HLA-B (OR = 3.37, p = 1.03e-196) and ERAP1 (OR = 0.86, p = 1.1e-08), and find IPMK (OR = 9.4, p = 4.42e-09) and IDO2 (OR = 3.61, p = 6.16e-08) as genome-wide significant genes based on the burden of rare coding variants. Dividing the cohort into HLA-B*27 positive and negative individuals, we find ERAP1 haplotype is strongly protective only for B*27-positive AU (OR = 0.73, p = 5.2e-10). Investigation of B*27-negative AU identifies a common signal near HLA-DPB1 (rs3117230, OR = 1.26, p = 2.7e-08), risk genes IPMK and IDO2, and several additional candidate risk genes, including ADGFR5, STXBP2, and ACHE. Taken together, we decipher the genetics underlying B*27-positive and -negative AU and identify rare and common genetic signals for both subtypes of disease.

Efficient Intramolecular Singlet Fission in Spiro-Linked Heterodimers.

We investigate intramolecular singlet fission (iSF) of spiro-linked azaacene heterodimers by time-resolved spectroscopy and quantum chemical calculations. Combining two different azaacenes through a nonconjugated linker using condensation chemistry furnishes azaacene heterodimers. Compared to their homodimers, iSF quantum yields are improved at an extended absorption range. The driving force of iSF, the energy difference ΔEiSF between the S1 state and the correlated triplet pair 1(TT), is tuned by the nature of the heterodimers. iSF is exothermic in all of the herein studied molecules. The overall quantum yield for triplet exciton formation reaches approximately 174%. This novel concept exploits large energy differences between singlet electronic states in combination with spatially fixed chromophores, which achieves efficient heterogeneous iSF, if the through-space interaction between the chromophores is minimal.

Hexakis-TIPS-Alkynylated Nonacenes: Persistent and Processible.

Four substituted nonacenes were prepared and characterized by UV-vis and EPR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. The compounds are the most stable and soluble nonacenes to date - due to six strategically placed triisopropylsilyl(TIPS)-ethynyl groups. They are stable for several weeks in the solid state. In dilute solution their half-life is 5-9 h. Crystal structure analyses of two nonacenes prove their structures. A nonacene derivative was tested in a solution-processed transistor and exhibits ambipolar charge transport (µe =0.007 cm2 /Vs; µh =0.023 cm2 /Vs).

Dimerization of a Reactive Azaacene Diradical: Synthesis of a Covalent Azaacene Cage.

Two series of regioisomeric dicyanomethylene substituted dithienodiazatetracenes with formal para- or ortho-quinodimethane subunits were synthesized and characterized. Whereas the para-isomers (p-n, diradical index y0 =0.01) are stable and isolable, the ortho-isomer (y0 =0.98) dimerizes into a covalent azaacene cage. Four elongated σ-CC bonds are formed and the former triisopropylsilyl(TIPS) -ethynylene groups transformed into cumulene units. The azaacene cage dimer (o-1)2 was characterized by X-ray single crystal structure analysis and temperature-dependent infrared (IR), electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR, solid-state), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and ultraviolet-visible (UV/Vis) spectroscopies (solution) indicating reformation of o-1.

Etheno-bridged Azaacene Spiro Dimers.

We present the synthesis of two sets of spiro-connected azaacene dimers. Their geometry and electronic coupling are critically determined by a secondary linker, i. e., an etheno- and an ethano-bridge. The core fragment of the etheno-bridged dimer corresponds to a conformationally locked cis-stilbene. Optoelectronic properties, single crystal X-ray structures and stability with respect to oxidation of the conjugated and non-conjugated dimers are reported and compared. The conjugated dimers exhibit smaller optical gaps and bathochromically shifted absorption maxima, but are prone to unexpected oxygen addition, dearomatizing one of the azaacene substituents.

Second Generation of Cata-Annulated Azaacene Bisimides: Towards Electron-Accepting Materials.

This work presents the 2nd generation of cata-annulated azaacene bisimides with increased electron affinities (up to -4.38 eV) compared to their consaguine conventional azaacenes. These compounds were synthesized via Buchwald-Hartwig coupling followed by oxidation with MnO2 . Crystal structure engineering through variation of the bisimide substituents furnished crystalline derivatives suitable for proof of concept organic field effect transistors with electron mobilities up to 2.2×10-4  cm2 (Vs)-1 . Moreover, we were able to characterize the charge carrying species, the radical anion, using electron paramagnetic resonance and absorption measurements.

The Radical Anion and Dianion of Benzo[3,4]cyclobuta[1,2-b]phenazine.

We present the reduction of two azaacenes (a benzo-[3,4]cyclobuta[1,2-b]phenazine and a benzo[3,4]cyclobuta[1,2-b]naphtho[2,3-i]phenazine derivative), featuring a single cyclobutadiene unit, to their radical anions and dianions. The reduced species were produced using potassium naphthalenide in the presence of 18-crown-6 in THF. Crystal structures of the reduced representatives were obtained and their optoelectronic properties evaluated. Charging these 4n Hückel systems gives dianionic 4n + 2 π-electron systems with increased antiaromaticity, according to NICS(1.7)zz calculations, featuring unusually red-shifted absorption spectra.

Ring-Expanding Rearrangement of Benzo-Fused Tris-Cycloheptenylenes towards Nonplanar Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons.

Invited for the cover of this issue are Klaus Müllen and co-workers at the Max-Planck-Institute of Polymer Research and the University of Heidelberg. The image depicts the ring-expanding rearrangement of hexabrominated benzo-fused tris-cycloheptenylenes towards nonplanar polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.202203735.

Heterophenoquinones: Tuning Optoelectronics and Electrochromicity.

We report the synthesis and optoelectronic properties of 16 thiophene-based heterophenoquinones. These compounds were accessed in a convergent and modular approach, allowing for their efficient synthesis. Tuning of the optical band gap was achieved through π-extension by annulation of a benzene or tropone moiety to the thiophene, oxidation, change of the heteroatom or by attachment of a donor substituent to the thiophene core. The resulting compounds display intense colors covering the entire visible spectrum. We identified structure-property relationships and their impact on the HOMO and LUMO levels. Additionally, these materials change color upon reduction and according to in situ ultraviolet-visible-near infrared (UV-vis-NIR) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectro-electrochemistry, they are promising electrochromes with cathodic color changes. Seven different electrochromic devices were constructed which all displayed a change in color upon reduction, demonstrating the potential of these new dyes in for example tintable glass.

Ring-Expanding Rearrangement of Benzo-Fused Tris-Cycloheptenylenes towards Nonplanar Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons.

A strongly twisted benzo-fused tris-cycloheptenylene, containing three dibenzosuberenone units fused to a common benzene ring, was subjected to Ramirez olefination and subsequent palladium-catalyzed Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling with 4-substituted phenylboronic acids. The high steric demand within the overcrowded, benzene-rich benzo-fused tris-cycloheptenylenes enforced an unprecedented 1,2-rearrangement upon π-extension during the Suzuki coupling reaction. According to crystal structure analysis, the resulting negatively curved polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons consist of two heptagons and one octagon surrounding a central benzene ring as a result of strain release. In the solid state, the materials exhibit a blue to blue-green fluorescence with increased quantum yields and a hypsochromic shift of the emission maxima compared to their respective solutions.

Secondary Structures in Synthetic Poly(Amino Acids): Homo- and Copolymers of Poly(Aib), Poly(Glu), and Poly(Asp).

The secondary structure of poly(amino acids) is an excellent tool for controlling and understanding the functionality and properties of proteins. In this perspective article the secondary structures of the homopolymers of oligo- and poly-glutamic acid (Glu), aspartic acid (Asp), and α-aminoisobutyric acid (Aib) are discussed. Information on external and internal factors, such as the nature of side groups, interactions with solvents and interactions between chains is reviewed. A special focus is directed on the folding in hybrid-polymers consisting of oligo(amino acids) and synthetic polymers. Being part of the SFB TRR 102 "Polymers under multiple constraints: restricted and controlled molecular order and mobility" this overview is embedded into the cross section of protein fibrillation and supramolecular polymers. As polymer- and amino acid folding is an important step for the utilization and design of future biomolecules these principles guide to a deeper understanding of amyloid fibrillation.

Azaarenes: 13 Rings in a Row by Cyclopentannulation.

Cyclopentannulation was explored as a strategy to access large, stable azaarenes. Buchwald-Hartwig coupling of previously reported di- and tetrabrominated cyclopentannulated N,N'-dihydrotetraazapentacenes furnished stable azaarenes with up to 13 six-membered rings in a row and a length of 3.1 nm. Their optoelectronic and semi-conducting properties as well as their aromaticity were investigated.

Acceleration Effect of Bowl-Shaped Structure in Aerobic Oxidation Reaction: Synthesis of Homosumanene ortho-Quinone and Azaacene-Fused Homosumanenes.

An oxidation reaction of hydroxyhomosumanene on silica gel providing homosumanene ortho-quinone and its synthetic application for azaacene-fused homosumanenes is described. Hydroxyhomosumanene is photochemically oxidized by air, when it is coated on silica gel; this aerobic oxidation proceeds faster than that of planar analogues. The difference of such reactivity was attributed to the unusual keto-enol tautomerization due to structural difference between planar and curved π-system. The homosumanene ortho-quinone was used in the synthesis of several azaacene-fused homosumanenes, azaacenohomosumanenes. X-ray diffraction analysis of the single crystals revealed their columnar stacking structures due to the interactions between each bowl. Azaacenohomosumanenes exhibited high electron affinity due to the combination of buckybowl and electron-deficient azaacene moieties.

Comparison of the Inflammatory Circuits in Psoriasis Vulgaris, Non‒Pustular Palmoplantar Psoriasis, and Palmoplantar Pustular Psoriasis.

Palmoplantar pustular psoriasis (PPPP) and non‒pustular palmoplantar psoriasis (NPPP) are localized, debilitating forms of psoriasis. The inflammatory circuits involved in PPPP and NPPP are not well-understood. To compare the cellular and immunological features that differentiate PPPP and NPPP, skin biopsies were collected from a total of 30 participants with PPPP, NPPP, and psoriasis vulgaris (PV) and from 10 healthy participants. A subset consented to a second biopsy after 3 additional weeks off medication. Histologic staining of lesional and nonlesional skin showed higher neutrophil counts in PPPP than in NPPP and PV and higher CD8+ T-cell counts in NPPP. RNA sequencing and transcriptional analysis of skin biopsies showed enhanced IFN-γ pathway activation in NPPP lesions but stronger signatures of IL-17 pathway and neutrophil-related genes (e.g., IL36A) in PPPP lesional skin. Serum analysis on the Olink platform detected higher concentrations of T helper type 1, IFN-γ‒inducible chemokines in NPPP, and higher neutrophil-associated cytokines in PPPP. Taken together, this evidence suggests more pronounced T helper 1‒mediated inflammation in NPPP than in PV and PPPP and stronger neutrophil-associated activity in PPPP than in NPPP and PV. These data support targeting inflammatory pathways associated with neutrophilic inflammation (e.g., IL-36 signaling) for therapeutic development in PPPP.