Synthesis and Properties of Diphenylbenzo[j]naphtho[2,1,8‐def][2,7]phenanthrolines

Abstract

AbstractA series of hitherto unknown 5,14‐diphenylbenzo[j]naphtho[2,1,8‐def][2,7]phenanthrolines, containing a 5‐azatetracene and a 2‐azapyrene subunit, were prepared by combination of Pd‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reactions with a one‐pot Povarov/cycloisomerization reaction. In the final key step four new bonds are formed in one step. The synthetic approach allows for a high degree of diversification of the heterocyclic core structure. The optical and electrochemical properties were studied experimentally and by DFT/TD‐DFT and NICS calculations. Due to the presence of the 2‐azapyrene subunit, the typical electronic nature and characteristics of the 5‐azatetracene moiety are lost and the compounds are electronically and optically more related to 2‐azapyrenes.