Facile synthesis of a contorted polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon derivative

Abstract

A facile bottom-up synthesis of a contorted polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) derivative is reported. The structure features three expanded heptagonal rings, constructed by structural extension of a tris-cycloheptenylene core with the integration of three anthraquinone units into the π-conjugated architecture. This strategy enables gram-scale synthesis with decent yields under mild conditions. Single crystal X-ray crystallographic analysis confirmed a saddle-shaped geometry induced by the three heptagons. This work provides a generalizable strategy for designing highly curved PAHs with tunable optoelectronic functionalities.