Versatile strategy to access fully functionalized benzodifurans: redox-active chromophores for the construction of extended pi-conjugated materials

J Org Chem. 2010 May 21;75(10):3350-7. doi: 10.1021/jo100323s.

Abstract

An efficient synthetic approach to construct a fully substituted benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b']difuran (BDF) 2a via base-catalyzed double annulations is presented. Compound 2a can readily undergo Suzuki, Heck, and Sonogashira coupling reactions to afford in good yields a manifold of extended pi-conjugated BDF derivatives, e.g., with pyridine termini (4-6) and with different spacers. These are highly luminescent materials that undergo two reversible one-electron oxidations. Remarkably, their photophysical and electrochemical properties can be largely tuned by methylation or protonation. Consequently, they can function as pH-dependent fluorescence switches. Finally, the observed electronic properties are explained on the basis of density functional theory.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Benzofurans / chemical synthesis*
  • Benzofurans / chemistry
  • Computer Simulation
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Luminescence
  • Luminescent Measurements
  • Molecular Structure
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Pyridines / chemistry*

Substances

  • Benzofurans
  • Pyridines
  • pyridine