26pi aromatic core-modified hexaphyrins: syntheses, characterization, and structural diversities.

Synthesis and characterization of several 26pi core-modified hexaphyrins are reported. The synthetic methodology involved a well-known acid-catalyzed MacDonald-type condensation reaction of the required tripyrrane with electron deficient pentafluorobenzaldehyde. The nature of the product and yield depends on the nature of the acid catalyst and its concentration. Dioxahexaphyrin 9 was isolated only when 0.5 equiv of TFA was used as a catalyst, while dithiahexaphyrin 10 and diselenahexaphyrin 11 were formed with TFA, PTSA, and even in the absence of catalyst. The detailed 1H and 2-D COSY as well as HSQC experiments reveal the solution structure as well as the conformational mobility of hexaphyrins. In the tetracationic state, 10 and 11 exhibit a four heterocyclic ring inverted structure, while only two completely inverted heterocyclic rings were observed for 9. The other four heterocyclic rings are only partially inverted in 9. All the hexaphyrins reported here show aromatic character inferred from large Deltadelta values (difference in chemical shift between the most shielded and the most deshielded protons). Electronic absorption spectral studies also support the conformational changes observed upon protonation.

Aromatic core modified decaphyrins with the largest two-photon absorption cross-sections: syntheses and characterization.

[structure: see text] Core-modified aromatic decaphyrins with 42pi conjugated electrons exhibit the highest two-photon absorption cross-section value (sigma(2) = 108,000 GM) known for any organic molecule, suggesting possible device applications in the field of nonlinear optics.

Aromatic core-modified twisted heptaphyrins[1.1.1.1.1.1.0]: syntheses and structural characterization.

[reaction: see text] First examples of aromatic core-modified twisted heptapyrrolic systems with six meso links have been obtained via a general [3 + 4] acid-catalyzed condensation method. Despite the twisted conformation, these heptaphyrins exhibit aromaticity in solution, unlike most of the all-aza analogues.

Figure-eight aromatic core-modified octaphyrins with six meso links: syntheses and structural characterization.

The synthesis and structural characterization of the first examples of aromatic core-modified figure-eight octaphyrins with six meso links and their formation with and without acid catalysts are highlighted.

Core-modified hexaphyrins; characterization of two- and four-ring inverted 26 pi aromatic macrocycles.

[reaction: see text] Synthesis and structural characterization of aromatic core-modified 26 pi hexaphyrin analogues are reported.

TiCl(4)-promoted Baylis-Hillman reactions of substituted 5-isoxazolecarboxaldehydes with cycloalkenones).

The Baylis-Hillman (BH) reaction of substituted 5-isoxazolecarboxaldehydes with cyclohexenone in the presence of TiCl(4) invariably lead to the formation of hemiacetals beside the BH adducts. A similar reaction in the presence of DABCO, DBU, or 3-HQN yielded minor quantities of phenols in addition to the usual BH adducts. Similar to 5-isoxazolecarboxaldehydes, the TiCl(4)-mediated BH reaction of cyclohexenone with various benzaldehydes also furnishes hemiacetals in considerable yields. The reaction mechanism involving the formation of alpha-chloromethyl enone as an intermediate has been proposed. The synthesis of hemiacetals 5 and 14 from compound 4 in the presence of cyclohexenone and cyclopentenone, respectively, under acidic conditions indicates that enolization and aromatization of the cyclohexene ring are the key steps in the reaction mechanism.