Modular Design of Fluorescent Dibenzo- and Naphtho-Fluoranthenes: Structural Rearrangements and Electronic Properties.

A library of 12 dibenzo- and naphtho-fluoranthene polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with MW = 302 (C24H14) was synthesized via a Pd-catalyzed fluoranthene ring-closing reaction. By understanding the various modes by which the palladium migrates during the transformation, structural rearrangements were bypassed, obtaining pure PAHs in high yields. Spectroscopic and electrochemical characterization demonstrated the profound diversity in the electronic structures between isomers. Highlighting the significant differences in emission of visible light, this library of PAHs will enable their standardization for toxicological assessment and potential use as optoelectronic materials.