Three-dimensionally arranged cyclic p-hexaphenylbenzene: toward a bottom-up synthesis of size-defined carbon nanotubes.

Go to three dimensions: as a step toward a bottom-up synthesis of size-defined carbon nanotubes (CNTs), [3]cyclo-4',4''''-hexaphenylbenzenes ([3]CHPBs) were synthesized and investigated. Theoretical and experimental results revealed that [3]CHPBs possess highly twisted [9]cyclo-p-phenylene cores. [3]cyclo-2,11-(Hexa-peri-hexabenzocoronene) ([3]CHBC) was also examined for CNT synthesis.