Star shaped ferrocenyl truxenes: synthesis, structure and properties

Abstract

This article reports the design and synthesis of star shaped, C₃-symmetric ferrocenyl substituted truxenes by the Pd-catalyzed Sonogashira cross-coupling and cycloaddition reaction. The single photon absorption and electrochemical properties indicate significant electronic interaction between ferrocene and truxene core. The bathochromic shift in the absorption spectra of truxenes 4a–4c and 5a is a function of enhanced conjugation. The incorporation of tetracyanoethylene (TCNE) results in a strong charge transfer band in truxene 5a. The single crystal structure of truxene 4a is presented, which shows interesting supramolecular interactions.