A push-pull macrocycle with both linearly conjugated and cross-conjugated bridges.

A series of shape-persistent macrocycles featuring both m-phenylene and 2,5-thiophene linkers has been synthesized, including an example where they bridge electron-rich (veratrole) and electron-poor (phthalimide) units. Charge transfer in this "push-pull macrocycle" has been investigated by UV-vis and fluorescence spectroscopies and DFT calculations. The effect of pairing structurally distinct conjugated bridges is discussed in the context of acyclic and symmetrical macrocyclic analogs.