Amplification of Dissymmetry Factors in π-Extended [7]- and [9]Helicenes

J Am Chem Soc. 2021 Mar 31;143(12):4661-4667. doi: 10.1021/jacs.0c13197. Epub 2021 Mar 18.

Abstract

π-Extended helicenes constitute an important class of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with intrinsic chirality. Herein, we report the syntheses of π-extended [7]helicene 4 and π-extended [9]helicene 6 through regioselective cyclodehydrogenation in high yields, where a "prefusion" strategy plays a key role in preventing undesirable aryl rearrangements. The unique helical structures are unambiguously confirmed by X-ray crystal structure analysis. Compared to the parent pristine [7]helicene and [9]helicene, these novel π-extended helicenes display significantly improved photophysical properties, with a quantum yield of 0.41 for 6. After optical resolution by chiral high-performance liquid chromatography, the chiroptical properties of enantiomers 4-P/M and 6-P/M are investigated, revealing that the small variation in helical length from [7] to [9] can cause an approximately 10-fold increase in the dissymmetry factors. The circularly polarized luminescence brightness of 6 reaches 12.6 M-1 cm-1 as one of the highest among carbohelicenes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Models, Molecular
  • Molecular Structure
  • Polycyclic Compounds / chemical synthesis*
  • Polycyclic Compounds / chemistry*
  • Stereoisomerism

Substances

  • Polycyclic Compounds
  • helicenes