Expect the unexpected – Li+ migration governing the substitution of 7H-benzo[de]anthracene with main-group fragments

Abstract

We report electrophile-dependent, site-selective heavier main-group functionalization of the benzanthracene framework, affording a heteroleptic phosphine oxide and phosphaalkene derivative. Combined experimental and DFT studies reveal that kinetic and thermodynamic factors govern this reactivity, providing new insights into main-group incorporation within extended π-conjugated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.