Modular synthesis, racemization pathway, and photophysical properties of asymmetrically substituted cycloparaphenylenes

Abstract

The size-selective synthesis of dimethoxy substituted [10]- and [12]CPP through a flexible modular route was reported. The structures were fully characterized by HR-MS and NMR. The racemization processes of these inherently chiral molecules were analyzed by DFT calculations. The photophysical properties were studied by UV-Vis and photoluminescence spectroscopy. Finally, the bioimaging utility as a fluorophore was investigated in live cells.