Synthesis of Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds by Electrocyclization–Dehydrogenation of Diradicaloids

Abstract

Herein, we present a novel and efficient method for the synthesis of two new polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, 1 and 2, through the electrocyclization−dehydrogenation of diradicaloids. The proposed oxidative electrocyclization via intermediate diradicaloids is monitored by electron paramagnetic resonance and ultraviolet−visible spectroscopy. Interestingly, 1 exhibits chirality because of its inherent helical skeleton, and 2 features longwavelength absorption and near-infrared emission properties due to its extended π-conjugation.