Noncovalent Modification of Cycloparaphenylene by Catenane Formation Using an Active Metal Template Strategy.

The active metal template (AMT) strategy is a powerful tool for the formation of mechanically interlocked molecules (MIMs) such as rotaxanes and catenanes, allowing the synthesis of a variety of MIMs, including π-conjugated and multicomponent macrocycles. Cycloparaphenylene (CPP) is an emerging molecule characterized by its cyclic π-conjugated structure and unique properties. Therefore, diverse modifications of CPPs are necessary for its wide application. However, most CPP modifications require early stage functionalization and the direct modification of CPPs is very limited. Herein, we report the synthesis of a catenane consisting of [9]CPP and a 2,2'-bipyridine macrocycle as a new CPP analogue that contains a reliable synthetic scaffold enabling diverse and concise post-modification. Following the AMT strategy, the [9]CPP-bipyridine catenane was successfully synthesized through Ni-mediated aryl-aryl coupling. Catalytic C-H borylation/cross-coupling and metal complexation of the bipyridine macrocycle moiety, an effective post-functionalization method, were also demonstrated with the [9]CPP-bipyridine catenane. Single-crystal X-ray structural analysis revealed that the [9]CPP-bipyridine catenane forms a tridentated complex with an Ag ion inside the CPP ring. This interaction significantly enhances the phosphorescence lifetime through improved intermolecular interactions.

Synthesis of open-shell ladder π-systems by catalytic C-H annulation of diarylacetylenes.

A new open-shell ladder-shaped π-system has been synthesized. Pentaleno[1,2-b:4,5-b']difluorene derivatives, 8 fused ring systems bearing 5- and 6-membered rings, were constructed from alkynylfluorenone through a reaction sequence including Pd-catalyzed C-H/C-H annulation. X-ray crystallography and ESR spectroscopy revealed the open-shell character of these ladder-shaped molecules, which derives from their extended π-electron conjugation. Absorption peaks in the near IR region as well as narrow redox potentials observed by cyclic voltammetry indicated small optical and fundamental energy gaps of these fused ring systems.

Synthesis of extended π-systems through C-H activation.

Activation of aromatic CH bonds by a transition metal catalyst has received significant attention in the synthetic chemistry community. In recent years, rapid and site-selective extension of π-electron systems by C-H activation has emerged as an ideal methodology for preparing organic materials with extended π-systems. This Review focuses on recently reported π-extending C-H activation reactions directed toward new optoelectronic conjugated materials.