Carbon networks based on dehydrobenzoannulenes. 4. Synthesis of "star" and "trefoil" graphdiyne substructures via sixfold cross-coupling of hexaiodobenzene.

The synthesis and characterization of star- and trefoil-shaped polyethynyl aromatic structures, which represent model substructures of the all-carbon network graphdiyne, are described. Assembly of these macrocycles is accomplished via 6-fold Sonogashira cross-coupling of hexaiodobenzene using Pd[P(o-Tol)(3)](2) and CuI as the catalytic system. The development of these modified Sonogashira conditions is detailed. This work has led to the synthesis of a new family of hexakis(phenylbutadiynyl)benzene derivatives (4a-c), the largest of which is the D(3)(h)()-symmetric "trefoil" 2 and is composed of three [18]annulenes fused at a common benzene ring. Attempts at the synthesis of "wheel" 3 are also described. Compound 2 represents the largest fragment of the graphdiyne network to date. UV-vis spectroscopic studies indicate enhanced electron delocalization throughout the extended pi-system.