Synthesis of Phenacene-Helicene Hybrids by Directed Remote Metalation

J Org Chem. 2020 Sep 4;85(17):11140-11153. doi: 10.1021/acs.joc.0c01097. Epub 2020 Aug 26.

Abstract

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with six and seven rings were synthesized via directed metalation and cross-coupling of chrysenyl N,N-diethyl carboxamides with o-tolyl and methylnaphthalenyl derivatives. In the presence of competing ortho sites, the site selectivity in iodination of chrysenyl amides by directed ortho metalation (DoM) was influenced by the lithium base. The catalyst ligand bite angle was presumably important in the cross-coupling of sterically hindered bulky PAHs. Subsequent directed remote metalation of biaryls under standard conditions and at elevated temperatures afforded various fused six- and seven-ring PAHs, all in good yields and with fluorescent properties.