Functionalized p-phenylene sulfides synthesis of new molecular wires

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4039(97)10624-4

Molecular wires containing p-phenylene sulfide units were synthesized. They could be used in material sciences and in supramolecular chemistry. Wires having 2 to 6 phenyl rings were functionalized at one end by an SH or SMe group, and at the other end, by an OH, OMe or OiPr groups. Formation of Ar-S bonds in the chain was achieved by Pd- or Cu-catalyzed couplings of aromatic thiols with aromatic halides. Conditions for a clean chemoselective deprotection of thiols from thiomethyl groups were developed.