Synthesis and physical properties of zethrene derivatives bearing donor/acceptor substituents at 7,14-positions

Abstract

Zethrene derivatives substituted by phenylethynyl groups bearing electron-donating and/or accepting groups were synthesised by iodine-induced transannular cyclisation of dehydrodinaphtho[10]annulene as the pivotal step followed by Sonogashira coupling reaction. Their physical properties were investigated to elucidate the effects of the substituents on the electronic configuration of the zethrene backbone.