Synthesis and Properties of Carbo- and Heterocyclic Benz[ a]azulenes

J Org Chem. 2023 Aug 18;88(16):11411-11423. doi: 10.1021/acs.joc.2c02997. Epub 2023 Aug 4.

Abstract

A new and convenient synthesis of aryl-substituted naphtho[2,1-a]azulenes by the combination of Suzuki-Miyaura, Sonogashira, and cycloisomerization reactions is reported. The methodology was applied to the synthesis of hitherto unknown azuleno[1,2-h]quinolines, cyclohepta[1,2]indeno[4,5-b]thiophenes, and cyclohepta[1,2]indeno[4,5-c]thiophenes. The impact of different fused-heterocyclic rings on the photophysical and electrochemical properties of these azulene derivatives was studied by experimental and theoretical methods and hence provides a rationale for the preparation of novel azulene derivatives with improved properties for application as organic materials.