Preparation and Physicochemical Properties of [6]Helicenes Fluorinated at Terminal Rings

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/acs.joc.8b02870

The first racemization-stable helicene derivatives fluorinated at terminal rings, 1,2,3,4-tetrafluoro[6]helicene (6) and 1,2,3,4,13,14,15,16-octafluoro[6]helicene (15), were synthesized via the Wittig reaction followed by oxidative photocyclization in an

Full text of DOI:10.1021/acs.joc.8b02870

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Article
Preparation and Physicochemical Properties
of [6]Helicenes Fluorinated at Terminal Rings
Vladimir Cirkva, Pavel Jakubík, Tomáš Strašák, Jan Hrbac, Jan
Sykora, Ivana Cisarova, Jan Vacek, Jaroslav Žádný, and Jan Storch
J. Org. Chem., Just Accepted Manuscript • DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.8b02870 • Publication Date (Web): 25 Jan 2019
Downloaded from http://pubs.acs.org on January 29, 2019
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Preparation and Physicochemical Properties of [6]Helicenes Fluorinated at
Terminal Rings
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]
Vladimír Církva,†*[a‡] Pavel Jakubík,†[a‡] Tomáš Strašák,[a§] Jan Hrbáč,[b] Jan Sýkora,*[a Ivana Císařová, Jan
⊥
[c]
Vacek,*[d] Jaroslav Žádný,[a‡] and Jan Storch[a‡]
9
[a‡] Department of Advanced Materials and Organic Synthesis, Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the
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Czech Academy of Sciences, v. v. i., Rozvojová 135, 165 02 Prague 6, Czech Republic
[a§] Department of Bioorganic Compounds and Nanocomposites, Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the
Czech Academy of Sciences, v. v. i., Rozvojová 135, 165 02 Prague 6, Czech Republic
[a
]
⊥
Department of Analytical Chemistry, Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the Czech Academy of
Sciences, v. v. i., Rozvojová 135, 165 02 Prague 6, Czech Republic
[b] Institute of Chemistry, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
[c] Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Hlavova 2030, 128 40
Prague 2, Czech Republic
[d]
Department of Medical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University,
Hněvotínská 3, 775 15 Olomouc, Czech Republic
†These authors contributed equally to the paper as first authors.
E-mails: cirkva@icpf.cas.cz, sykora@icpf.cas.cz, jan.vacek@upol.cz
GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT
The first racemization-stable helicene derivatives fluorinated at terminal rings, 1,2,3,4-
tetrafluoro[6]helicene (6) and 1,2,3,4,13,14,15,16-octafluoro[6]helicene (15), were synthesized via the
Wittig reaction followed by oxidative photocyclization in an overall yield of 41% of 6 and 76% of 15. The
changed electronic structure in fluorinated helicenes was reflected in a slight shift of UV-Vis absorption,
fluorescence excitation and emission spectra maxima when compared to unsubstituted [6]helicene. Cyclic
voltammetry revealed a moderate decrease in the HOMO-LUMO gap with increasing fluorination. The
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specific rotation of tetrafluoro[6]helicene 6 enantiomers was found to be approximately 25% lower than
that of unsubstituted [6]helicene. The theoretical study of the racemization barrier suggested reasonable
shift towards higher energy with increasing fluorination. The increasing fluorination also significantly
affected the intermolecular interactions in the crystal lattice. The observed CH···F interactions led to the
formation of 1D-molecular chains in the crystal structures of both fluorinated helicenes.
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INTRODUCTION
Helicenes are polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with nonplanar screw-shaped helical π-skeletons formed
by ortho-fused benzene rings, where the helical structure is a consequence of the steric repulsion of the
terminal aromatic nuclei. Compared to other planar π-conjugated systems, helicenes are chemically stable
and more soluble in common organic solvents. Moreover, helicenes are inherently chiral and can be easily
resolved into individual enantiomers. The racemization of the first stable representative, hexahelicene, takes
place at a significantly elevated temperature. The highly delocalized π-electron system with inherent
chirality concentrates unique optical and electronic properties in a single molecule which has attracted
scientific interest for decades.1-11 The exceptionally high values of specific rotation and strong circular
dichroism have led to promising applications in materials science, nanoscience, asymmetric catalysis,
biological chemistry, supramolecular and polymer chemistry.3,11
The very first synthesis of [6]helicene was accomplished via a twelve-step route in 1956.12 Since then, a
number of methods for helicene synthesis have been introduced.12–19 Among other approaches, the
photochemical method (i.e. oxidative photocyclization) seems to be the most flexible and therefore the most
used in helicene chemistry up to now.2,8,20–34 The original synthesis established by Mallory31 is based on
the UV-light induced cis/trans photoisomerization of stilbene derivative followed by a symmetry-allowed
conrotatory electrocyclization of the cis isomer to generate trans-dihydrophenanthrene derivative as an
intermediate. In the presence of air and a catalytic amount of iodine, the intermediate is immediately
converted by dehydrogenation into a fully aromatic compound. Over time, this method has been adapted to
the synthesis of various substituted helicenes via their stilbene precursors. The improved photochemical
methods employed propylene oxide33, cyclohexene34 or THF20, for example, to act as scavengers of forming
hydroiodic acid. Recently, the air-driven potassium iodide-mediated oxidative photocyclization of stilbenes
has been reported26 and electrodeless discharge lamps as a novel light source in a microwave reactor have
been introduced.22,23
The elimination method of hydrogen fluoride called photocyclodehydrofluorination for the synthesis of
partially fluorinated PAHs from corresponding fluorinated stilbenes has recently been described.25 The
introduction of fluorine substituents into helicene skeletons is a prospective strategy for tuning the
properties required for application in organic electronic devices. Fluorine substitution can affect C-H/π
interactions, which prevail in a molecular assembly in the solid state, or can improve the solubility. This
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substitution also modulates the HOMO-LUMO gap.35,36 Generally, fluorine substitution can induce changes
in crystal structures, properties of compounds, and also in chemical reactivity. The chemistry of fluorinated
PAHs has been the subject of several reviews and monographs.37–47 The examples of partially fluorinated
polyaromatics with ortho-fused rings are shown in Figure 1. Tetrafluorophenanthrene (I),
tetrafluorotriphenylene (II), tetrafluorobenzo[c]phenanthrene (III), and octafluoronaphtho[1,2-g]chrysene
(V) have been prepared by the above-mentioned photocyclodehydrofluorination reaction.25 These
compounds can be prepared also by other methods, for example I44–46, II47,48, and III49. On the other hand,
tetrafluoronaphtho[1,2-g]chrysene (IV) was prepared on purpose as a blue luminescent47 and used both in
solution and the solid state.
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Figure 1. Partially fluorinated polyaromatics.
Here we present the first synthesis of partially fluorinated [6]helicenes (VI and VII) accompanied by optical
and electrochemical characterization supported by DFT calculations in order to understand the impact of
fluorine substitution on the properties of the synthesized compounds.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Synthesis
Two routes for synthesis of tetrafluoro[6]helicene
6
were developed. Route
A
uses
photocyclodehydrofluorination of the pentafluorinated precursor 3 (Scheme 1) while route B employs
oxidative photocyclization of tetrafluorinated precursors 10 and 12 (Scheme 2). The more effective route
B was also exploited in the final synthesis of octafluoro[6]helicene 15 by photocyclization of the
octafluorinated bis-stilbene precursor 14.
The palladium(II)-catalyzed Mizoroki-Heck cross-coupling reaction or its sequence was used in order to
prepare fluorinated bis-stilbene precursors 3 and 4 (Scheme 1). The reaction of 2,7-naphthalene bistriflate
(1) and styrene in DMA at 150 °C provided the desired mono-stilbene precursor 2 in 40 % yield. The
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subsequent reaction of 2 and pentafluorostyrene provided bis-stilbene 3 in 55 % yield. This reaction was
performed in a microwave reactor reducing reaction time significantly. Likewise, the microwave-promoted
Mizoroki-Heck reaction of 2,7-naphthalene bistriflate (1) and pentafluorostyrene provided fluorinated
helicene precursor 4 in 62 % yield. In both cases, (E,E)-isomers 3 and 4 were obtained as major products
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according to H NMR analysis (see Experimental Section and Supporting Information). Fluorinated 2,7-
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distyryl-naphthalene 3 was then irradiated through a Pyrex glass jacket in toluene for 3 h in the presence of
iodine. Unfortunately, this reaction provided mainly tetraarylcyclobutane derivative 7 as a major product
(79 % yield). The formation of 7 is a result of consecutive reaction of the partially cyclized stilbene 5 with
(E) configuration. Beside the heteronuclear NMR spectroscopy, the structure of 7 was confirmed by X-ray
crystallography revealing the trans arrangement of the benzo[c]phenanthrenyl groups (see Supporting
Information). Formation of this photodimer was observed on similar substrates and the resulting geometry
is referred to as the centrosymmetric HT (Head-to-Tail) anti stereoisomer.50 Nevertheless, the reaction also
provides the desired fluorinated [6]helicene 6 in a negligible overall yield (2%) as confirmed by NMR
spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography (vide infra). The whole photocyclodehydrofluorination reaction
providing compound 6 proceeded via isomerization of trans-5 to cis-5 followed by the photocyclization
and HF elimination from trans-pentafluoro-dihydro[6]helicene (Scheme 1).
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Scheme 1. Synthetic route A
Attempts to prepare octafluoro[6]helicene 15 (Scheme 1) by route A failed. The fluorinated helicene
precursor 4 was irradiated through Pyrex glass jacket in the presence of iodine in toluene but, no
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photocyclization reaction to 15 was observed even after prolonged reaction time (12 h). The
photodimerization reaction did not take place as well, the starting compound 4 was recovered only.
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The photocyclodehydrofluorination reaction25 is not sufficiently effective in the case of fluorinated helicene
formation. However, the synthesis of desired fluorinated helicenes can still be furnished via classic Mallory
photocyclization.31 For this purpose, a suitable 2,3,4,5-tetrafluoro derivatives 10, 12 and 14 were
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synthesized.
Route
B
(Scheme
2)
began
with
the
synthesis
of
(2,3,4,5-
tetrafluorobenzyl)triphenylphosphonium bromide (9) that can be reacted with benzo[c]phenanthrene-2-
carbaldehyde19 (8) or (E)-4-[2-(2-naphthalenyl)ethenyl]benzaldehyde51 (11) to corresponding
tetrafluorinated stilbenes 10 or 12 in 71 % and 74 % yield, respectively. The reaction provided (E)-10
isomer and a mixture of (E,E)- and (E,Z)-12 isomers. The reaction products were analyzed by LC-NMR
(see Experimental Section and Supporting Information) with no isolation of individual isomers, since the
subsequent irradiation gives rise to a rapid interconversion of (E)- into (Z)-isomer.
Scheme 2. Synthetic route B
The obtained precursor 10 was dissolved in toluene and irradiated through a Pyrex glass jacket (in a
continuous-flow setup) in the presence of iodine for 80 min. Photocyclization provided the desired 1,2,3,4-
tetrafluoro[6]helicene (6)52 in 58 % yield. No other regioisomer was identified in the reaction mixture
indicating that the ring-closure of stilbene 10 takes place at the peri position of the tetracyclic moiety.53
The mixture of (E,E)- and (E,Z)-isomers of the precursor 12 was directly subjected to irradiation. The
double photocyclization of precursor 12 (in batch setup) led to helicene 6 in 35 % yield. The synthesis of
octafluoro[6]helicene 15 was attempted using 2,7-naphthalenedicarbaldehyde (13) which was transformed
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via the Wittig reaction with phosphonium salt 9 to the corresponding octafluorinated bis-stilbene precursor
14 in 97 % yield. The reaction products were analyzed by LC-NMR and all three (E,E), (E,Z), and (Z,Z)-
14 isomers were identified. The precursor 14 was then irradiated for 40 min through a Pyrex glass jacket
(in a continuous-flow setup) in the presence of iodine in toluene. The photocyclization provided the desired
1,2,3,4,13,14,15,16-octafluoro[6]helicene (15) in 78 % yield (the overall yield 76%) as yellow crystals. No
other regioisomers were isolated from the reaction mixture. The structure was characterized namely by 1H
and 19F NMR due to its low solubility (ca 0.5 mg/mL in chloroform). However, the obtained crystals were
submitted to a single crystal X-ray crystallography, which finally confirmed the compound identity (vide
infra).
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UV-Vis Absorption and Fluorescence Spectroscopy
In order to evaluate the effect of fluorine atoms on helicene optical properties the basic spectroscopic
methods were applied. The UV-Vis absorption and fluorescence excitation spectra of the fluorinated
helicenes 6 and 15 do not differ fundamentally from the spectra of [6]helicene54–56 (Figure 2). A wavelength
close to the excitation maximum (325 nm) was subsequently used for fluorescence emission spectra
1
measurement. The fluorescence originates from the Lb state, which is not observed in the absorption
spectra. The band contains two maxima coming from the S0 symmetrical vibrational mode and a weaker
unresolved shoulder at lower energies (Figure 2C). The high energy edges are equal for fluorinated
helicenes 6 and 15, and exhibit 15 nm bathochromic shift with respect to the fluorescence of unsubstituted
[6]helicene. The intensity of the 0-1 transition significantly decreases with increasing degree of
fluorination, indicating that the Frank-Condon displacement of nuclear configurations in S0 and S1 states is
lower than in the original [6]helicene.54 The fluorescence quantum yields in benzene were determined to
be 2.6 % for [6]helicene, 3.3 % for tetrafluoro[6]helicene 6 and 4.6 % for octafluoro[6]helicene 15.
Figure 2. Normalized absorption (A), fluorescence excitation (B) and emission (C) spectra of [6]helicene
(in grey) and its fluorinated derivatives 6 (in blue) and 15 (in red) in benzene.
Cyclic Voltammetry
Redox properties of the studied fluorinated [6]helicenes 6 and 15 were investigated by cyclic voltammetry
at a glassy carbon electrode using acetonitrile supported by tetrabutylammonium perchlorate (TBAP) as an
electrolyte. The concentration of helicenes was chosen to be 10-4 M, at the upper solubility limit of 15.
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Cyclic voltammograms of fluorinated [6]helicenes 6 and 15 are shown in Figure 3 along with the
voltammogram of unsubstituted [6]helicene57.
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Figure 3. Full (A) and anodic (B) cyclic voltammograms of 0.1 mM [6]helicene and its fluorinated
derivatives 6 (in blue) and 15 (in red) in ACN/0.1 M TBAP supporting electrolyte at a glassy carbon
electrode (scan rate: 100 mV/s).
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A cathodic scan (Figure 3A) revealed a multistep reduction process, manifested as three rather broad
reduction CV peaks. The CV pattern is shifted towards positive potentials with increasing degree of
fluorination, indicating that the reduction is facilitated after the functionalization. On the other hand, in
anodic CV scans, performed either after cathodic scan or directly (Figure 3B), two overlapped peaks
merging with the anodic limit occurred. The anodic features are shifted towards positive potentials with
increasing fluorination. The quantification of onset potentials of the first cathodic and of the first anodic
CV peaks is a well-established method providing the estimation of the energy levels in organic
molecules.58–60 The onset potentials, determined by the graphical method60 were converted to an absolute
scale and expressed in eV to give an estimation of the HOMO and LUMO energies. While both HOMO
and LUMO levels decrease with the degree of fluorination, the overall changes in the HOMO-LUMO gap
are negligible (Figure 4B, vide infra).
DFT Study
The effect of fluorine substitution is well illustrated also in the comparison of electrostatic potentials
mapped onto the electron density surface (Figure 4A) calculated for fluorinated helicenes 6, 15 and parent
[6]helicene. As expected, the strongly electronegative regions were found in the proximity of fluorine
atoms. Fluorine substituents of tetrafluoro[6]helicene 6 are more negatively charged than analogous parts
of octafluoro[6]helicene 15, due to the mutual competition of two fluorinated rings in sharing electron
density through an aromatic system.
The calculated HOMO and LUMO representations of the studied compounds are presented in Figure 4B,
showing the electron density distribution is pronounced in the non-fluorinated rings in each case. The
obtained trend in calculated values follows the trend obtained experimentally from CV measurement. While
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the HOMO-LUMO gap is almost independent of the substitution, the HOMO and LUMO energy levels
decrease within the degree of fluorination (Figure 4B). It is well known that DFT tends to underestimate
the intramolecular stabilization in helical structures.61 This phenomenon is especially reflected in
differences between the experimental and calculated LUMO energies. Nevertheless, for a relative
evaluation of similar systems this method is abundantly used in the recent literature in a similar manner.62,63
For more details on DFT calculation see Supporting Information.
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Figure 4. (A) Electrostatic potentials calculated for [6]helicene and partially fluorinated derivatives 6 and
15 in the range from -0.04 (red) to 0.04 (blue); (B) Computational (DFT method [B3PW91/6-311++G(d,p)]
(in black)) and experimental (CV measurements (in grey)) values of HOMO/LUMO/gap energies for
[6]helicene and partially fluorinated derivatives 6 and 15.
Separation of Enantiomers, CD Spectra, Optical Rotation and Racemization Barrier
Helicenes are valued especially for their chiroptical properties. Therefore, attempts to resolved the
fluorinated helicenes 6 and 15 were made. The enantiomeric resolution of tetrafluorinated helicene 6 was
accomplished by HPLC using a preparative Kromasil Cellucoat column and n-heptane/2-propanol as a
mobile phase (for details see Supporting Information).64 The preparative HPLC was not attempted in the
case of octafluorinated helicene 15 due to its low solubility (e.g., only 0.5 mg/mL in chloroform).
The enantiomers of tetrafluoro[6]helicene 6 showed high specific optical rotation. According to the X-ray
structure analysis, the dextrorotatory enantiomer was attributed to the P form and levorotatory to the M
[ ]20
form. The obtained specific rotation values (+)-(P)-6 α
= +2882 ± 4° (CHCl3, c 0.0257, >99.5% ee)
D
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[ ]20
and for (˗)-(M)-6 α
= -2849 ± 4° (CHCl3, c 0.0265, >99.5% ee) were lower than values published for
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D
[ ]24
unsubstituted [6]helicene ( α
= +3707° and -3640°).12 This observation can be attributed to a lower
D
4
5
6
7
electron density and also a shorter distance between terminal rings found for 6 in comparison with
[6]helicene in solution52.
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Tetrafluoro[6]helicene 6 enantiomers exhibited clear mirror images in the CD spectra (see Figure 5). Both
enantiomers displayed a CD spectrum similar to that of [6]helicene. In the case of the (P)-enantiomer, two
strong negative bands at 246 and 265 nm (∆ε = -306 and -143 M-1 cm-1, respectively) along with positive
bands at 294, 315, 330 and 353 nm (∆ε = +104, +158, +452 and +190 M-1 cm-1) were found. A broad peak
with a maximum at λ ≈ 330 nm exhibits a slight redshift (in comparison with [6]helicene) and properly
correlates with the absorption maximum found at approx. 330 nm (see Figure 2A, vide supra).
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Figure 5. CD spectra (c 10-4 M, CHCl3, 25 °C) of (+)-(P)-6 (solid blue) and (-)-(M)-6 (dashed blue) and
(+)-(P)-[6]helicene64 (grey, 0.154 mM in THF).
It is well documented that helicenes racemize.5,65–70 In the case of [6]helicene, the conformational
interconversion takes place at elevated temperature and is characterized by the Gibbs free energy barrier
ΔG‡ (503 K) = 36.5 kcal mol-1 (152.8 kJ mol-1) at 230 °C.69 On the other hand, the racemization barrier of
1,2,3,4-tetrafluoro[6]helicene (6) can be significantly affected by the introduction of bulkier fluorine
substituents into the interior of the helix.8 Therefore, it can be reasonably expected that enantiomers of 6
should possess a higher racemization barrier and provide better thermal stability than unsubstituted
[6]helicene. The thermal racemization process was monitored at 233 °C following the decay of the ee over
time (t). The plot of ln(eet/ee0) against t allowed the determination of ΔG‡ (506 K) = 38.9 kcal mol-1 (162.9
kJ mol-1) (for details see Supporting Information). Indeed, the obtained value is higher than that reported
for unsubstituted [6]helicene (37.2 kcal mol-1 extrapolated for 506 K) and smaller than that found for
1-methyl[6]helicene (43.5 kcal mol-1 extrapolated for 506 K)69 where the methyl group effectively hinders
the racemization. The DFT calculation of the transition states of the racemization confirmed the assumption
that the increasing fluorine substitution increases the racemization barrier and provided corresponding
feedback to the experimental data. The ΔG‡ calculated at 298 K for unsubstituted [6]helicene,
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tetrafluro[6]helicene 6 and octafluro[6]helicene 15 is 37.3, 38.4 and 41.7 kcal mol-1, respectively (for
calculation details see Supporting Information). According to the calculation, the racemization of
unsubstituted [6]helicene and octafluro[6]helicene 15 proceeds via a Cs symmetrical transition state while
the transition state of tetrafluro[6]helicene 6 is significantly distorted (Figure 6).
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Figure 6. (A) Calculated transition states of [6]helicene, tetrafluro[6]helicene 6 and octafluro[6]helicene
15; (B) Energy diagram of transition states and the overlay of the involved molecules.
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X-ray Crystallography
Recently, the centrosymmetric structure of 1,2,3,4-tetrafluoro[6]helicene (6) with P21/n symmetry was
reported in the study dedicated to the dynamic behavior of [6]helicenes.52 In a racemic form, this compound
shows polymorphism and crystallizes also in non-centrosymmetric space group P212121, most likely
undergoing lamellar twinning similar to racemic unsubstituted [6]helicene.71 Furthermore, the single
crystals of pure enantiomers of 6 were obtained and analyzed by X-ray crystallography. Both structures of
pure enantiomers were identical with the non-centrosymmetric structure of 1,2,3,4-tetrafluoro[6]helicene
(6). Despite the disorder found in both structures, the refinement of the Flack parameter confirmed the P
enantiomer as dextrorotational and M as levorotational, which is in agreement with the original proposal
for [6]helicene derivatives.72
All the structures of partially fluorinated [6]helicenes presented in this study utilize a similar motif in the
crystal packing, a pair of two mutually interlocked helicene molecules. This motif is well known from the
structures of unsubstituted helicenes; however no isostructurality was found. The distance between the
helicene peripheral rings found in the presented structures fall into the interval determined for unsubstituted
[6]helicene52, where the distance between C2 and C15 atoms can range from 3.9 to 4.6 Å (Figure 7A). The
analysis of accessible crystal structures of basic [6]helicene derivatives ([6]helicene52,
2-chloro[6]helicene73 and 2-bromo[6]helicene72) shows a significant dependence of the helicene pitch
opening on the intermolecular distance between two interlocking molecules, rather than on the helicene
substitution (Figure 7B). The helicene pitch enlarges with the shortening of the intermolecular distance
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between two interlocking molecules. Generally, the “intercalation” of another molecule into the helicene
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Figure 7. (A) Crystal structures of [6]helicene52, tetrafluro[6]helicene 6 and octafluro[6]helicene 15; (B)
Dependence of the helicene pitch opening on the intermolecular distance between two interlocking
molecules of helicenes.
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The presence of fluorine atoms in a [6]helicene molecule affects the molecular packing significantly. While
molecules of unsubstituted [6]helicene are tied together in the crystal packing by a sophisticated network
of π···π and CH···π interactions, the presence of fluorine atoms opens new possibilities for intermolecular
interactions. The CH···π interactions are partially substituted by CH···F interactions in the non-
centrosymmetric structure of 1,2,3,4-tetrafluoro-[6]helicene (6) (Figure 8) leading to the formation of 1D-
chains along the [100] direction (Figure 8A) and involving the interaction of the peripheral fluorinated ring
with the hydrogen H5 (d(H-F) = 2.379 Å) or the interaction with H9 (d(H-F) = 2.476 Å) along the [001]
direction (Figure 8B). The melting point of this crystal modification was found to be between 220-225 °C.
Surprisingly, the melting point of the centrosymmetric modification of 6, which utilizes mainly π···π
interactions within molecular packing, was found at a significantly higher temperature between 243-245 °C.
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Figure 8. (A, C) 1D-chains via CH···F interactions in the structure of tetrafluoro[6]helicene 6 and
octafluoro[6]helicene 15, respectively; (B, D) Molecular packing of tetrafluoro[6]helicene 6 and
octafluoro[6]helicene 15, respectively and CH···F interactions in both structures.
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The motif of 1D-chains plays a key role in the molecular packing of octafluoro[6]helicene 15. The
fluorination of both peripheral rings induces the involvement of CH···F interactions on both peripheries of
the helicene molecules, leading to a significant strengthening of the mutual interaction between two
adjacent molecules in the chain. The H-F distances were found to be 2.436 and 2.468 Å in this structure.
These chains can be found along the [001] direction (Figure 8C). Additional intermolecular CH-F
interactions can be found along the [100] direction (Figure 8D) between peripheral and central aromatic
rings of two proximate molecules (d(H-F) = 2.492 Å). The strengthening of the intermolecular interaction
is reflected in a significantly lower solubility and a high melting point. The melting point of
octafluoro[6]helicene 15 was not observed below 300°C, despite its sublimation taking place above 330°C.
CONCLUSION
The first racemization-stable helicene derivatives fluorinated at terminal rings, 1,2,3,4-
tetrafluoro[6]helicene (6) and 1,2,3,4,13,14,15,16-octafluoro[6]helicene (15), were successfully
synthesized via the Mizoroki-Heck cross-coupling reaction and Wittig reaction, followed by eliminative or
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oxidative photocyclization with an overall yield of 41% of 6 and 76% of 15. It was found that the
photocyclodehydrofluorination reaction is not suitable for this purpose (2% yield of 6 and 0% yield of 15)
due to the formation of dimeric structures. The prepared fluorinated helicenes showed similar optical
properties when compared to unsubstituted [6]helicene. The changed electronic structure in fluorinated
helicenes was reflected in a slight shift of UV-Vis absorption, fluorescence excitation and emission spectra
maxima. Cyclic voltammetry revealed a moderate decrease in the HOMO-LUMO gap with increasing
fluorination which was found fully in agreement with DFT calculations. The specific rotation of
tetrafluoro[6]helicene 6 enantiomers was found to be approximately 25% lower than that of unsubstituted
[6]helicene. The characterization of individual octafluoro[6]helicene enantiomers 15 was precluded by low
solubility of the compound. The theoretical study of the fluorinated [6]helicenes racemization suggested a
reasonable shift towards higher energy barrier with increasing fluorination. The increasing fluorination also
significantly affected the intermolecular interactions in the crystal lattice. The π···π and CH···π interactions
are gradually substituted by CH···F interactions which constitute 1D-molecular chains in the structures of
both fluorinated helicenes. The fluorination of both peripheral rings in 15 enables the formation of very
strong intermolecular interactions within the 1D-chain, resulting in an elevated melting point and
significantly decreased solubility of the compound 15. Mainly in this regard, future interest should be
focused on tetrafluoro-substituted helicene derivatives.
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EXPERIMENTAL SECTION
Commercially available reagent grade materials were used as obtained from Sigma-Aldrich, Acros
Organics, Apollo Scientific and Fluorochem excepting 2,3,4,5-tetrafluorobenzoic acid (Fluorochem) that
was recrystallized from dichloromethane. Herrmann’s catalyst, i.e. trans-di(μ-acetato)-bis[o-(di-o-
tolylphosphino)benzyl]dipalladium(II) was prepared according to published procedure74. Compound 8 was
prepared according to a reaction Scheme S1 (see SI) via synthesis of intermediates (i) and (ii). Compound
9 was prepared according to a reaction Scheme S2 (see SI) via synthesis of intermediates (iii) and (iv). All
solvents (Lach-Ner) were of a reagent grade and used without any further purification, except for
tetrahydrofurane, which was distilled from sodium benzophenone ketyl. Melting points were determined
with Santiago KB T300 melting point apparatus (Czech Republic) and are uncorrected. TLC was carried
out using Silica gel 60 F254-coated aluminum sheets and compounds were visualized with UV light (254
and 366 nm). Column chromatography was performed using Merck Kieselgel 60 silica gel (230-400 mesh)
or Biotage HPFC systems (SP-1 and Isolera One) with pre-packed flash silica gel columns. The standard
Schlenk technique was used for all reactions; cannula filtration technique was used for filtrations under
inert atmosphere. Microwave experiments were performed on an Anton Paar Monowave 300 equipped with
simultaneous temperature measurement with IR sensor. 1H, 13C{1H}, 19F{1H}, and 31P{1H} NMR spectra
were recorded using a Bruker Avance and Varian Inova spectrometer at 400 MHz and 500 MHz,
respectively (1H NMR), 101 MHz and 126 MHz, respectively (13C NMR), 376 MHz and 471 MHz,
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respectively (19F NMR), and 162 MHz and 202 MHz, respectively (31P NMR). Chemical shifts (δ) are
reported in parts per million (ppm) relative to TMS, C6F6 (δ = -164.90 ppm) and 85% H3PO4 in H2O, or
referenced to residuals of CDCl3 (δ = 7.26 ppm and 77.00 ppm, respectively), C2D2Cl4 (δ = 6.0 ppm and
73.78 ppm, respectively), CD3CN (δ = 1.94 ppm and 118.69 ppm, respectively) and DMSO-d6 (δ = 2.50
ppm). The coupling constants (J) are given in Hertz (Hz) and corresponding multiplicity (s = singlet, d =
doublet, t = triplet, m = multiplet). For the LC-NMR experiments, commercial HPLC system (Dionex
UltiMate 3000) with 250×4.6 mm HPLC column (Luna C8(2), Phenomenex, 5 μm particles, 100 Å pore
size) was employed. 50 µL of the concentrated acetonitrile solution was injected into HPLC. The separation
was done by isocratic method by system acetonitrile - D2O 85:15 % and was monitored at 220 nm and 254
nm and by on-flow 1H NMR detection. 1H NMR observations were conducted on Varian INOVA 500 MHz
spectrometer equipped with HCN triple resonance-microflow probe (60 µL active volume). Standard NMR
software VnmrJ 4.2 was used. All the separations and NMR detection were conducted at ambient
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temperature (22 °C). The H NMR data were collected in on-flow mode employing WET multiple
frequency solvent suppression75. The signal of acetonitrile solvent (δ = 2.00 ppm) was suppressed using
one scout scan prior to whole data collection. The data acquisition during 1 s acquisition time covering the
spectral width of 6 kHz followed after 90° RF pulse (3.4 μs), four transients were accumulated in each
spectrum. No relaxation delay was employed. The detailed analysis of chromatographic peaks was
performed in the stop-flow mode. 1H NMR spectra were accumulated over 32 scans for cis-cis isomer/256
scans for mixture of cis-cis isomer and cis-trans isomer/512 scans for trans-trans isomer (acquisition time
2 s, relaxation delay 1 s). Absorption spectra were recorded on a Specord 250 spectrometer (Jena
Bioscience, Germany) in a quartz cuvette with 1-cm optical path, using a pure solvent as a reference.
Steady-state excitation and emission spectra were recorded using F-4500 fluorometer (Hitachi, Japan) in a
quartz cuvette with a 1-cm optical path (for both excitation and emission). Electrochemical experiments
were conducted using a Nanoampere electrochemical workstation (L-Chem). The IR spectra were measured
in CHCl3 (NICOLET 6700). Characteristic IR absorptions are reported in cm-1 and denoted as strong (s),
medium (m), and weak (w). The low resolution electron impact (EI) mass spectra were recorded on a
Thermo Finnigan Focus DSQ mass spectrometer at an ionizing voltage of 70 eV in a positive mode and the
m/z values are given along with their relative intensities (%). For exact mass measurement, the spectra were
internally calibrated using Na-formate or APCI-TOF tuning mix. ESI and APCI high-resolution mass
spectra were measured in a positive mode using a micrOTOF QIII mass spectrometer (Bruker) and were
determined by software Compass Data Analysis. Diffraction data were collected on a Bruker D8
VENTURE Kappa Duo PHOTON 100 CMOS with the monochromated Mo/Cu-Kα radiation. The
structures were solved by direct methods (SHELXT76) and refined by full-matrix least-squares on F2 values
(CRYSTALS77 or SHELXL78,79). All heavy atoms were refined anisotropically. Hydrogen atoms were
usually localized from the expected geometry and difference electron density maps and were refined
isotropically. ORTEP-380 was used for structure presentation. Resolution of enantiomers was performed on
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preparative HPLC with UV detector at 320 nm (Watrex) using chiral stationary phase Kromasil Cellucoat®
(Akzo Nobel) column (250 x 16 mm, 10 μm) and n-heptane/2-propanol 99.0:1.0 as a mobile phase at a flow
rate of 12 mL/min. The optical purity of each enantiomer and racemization process were studied by
integration of UV traces (254 nm) of HPLC chromatograms (see Figure S2) at Varian ProStar 230 SDA +
ProStar 330 PDA detector (200-400 nm). The HPLC analyses were performed on Kromasil Cellucoat®
(Akzo Nobel) column (250 x 4.6 mm, 10 μm) using n-heptane/2-propanol 99.65:0.35 as a mobile phase at
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[ ]20
a flow rate of 2 mL/min. Specific optical rotations ( α ) were measured at 589 nm in chloroform at 20 °C
D
on JASCO P-2000 Polarimeter with a Peltier cell holder and a 1 dm path length cell. The values are given
in deg cm3 g-1 dm-1 as an average value from 50 measurements. The circular dichroism (CD) spectra were
acquired on a J-815 spectrometer (Jasco Analytical Instruments, Inc., Easton, USA) in chloroform (1 × 10-
4 M), using a 1-mm quartz sample cell.
2-Trifluoromethylsulfonyloxy-7-(2-phenylethenyl)naphthalene
(2).
Naphthalene-2,7-diyl
bis(trifluoromethanesulfonate)81 (1, 25 g, 58.9 mmol, 1 eq), trans-di(μ-acetato)-bis[o-(di-o-
tolylphosphino)benzyl]dipalladium(II) (Herrmann’s catalyst, 0.55 g, 0.589 mmol, 0.01 eq),
diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO) (13.2 g, 118 mmol, 2 eq) and styrene (7.09 mL, 61.9 mmol, 1.05 eq)
were charged into 2000 mL round-bottom flask and dissolved in 1000 mL of dimethylacetamide (DMA).
Reaction mixture was heated to 150 °C for 4 hours under condenser. After cooling down, methanol (500
mL) was added and the mixture was allowed to precipitate in the freezer (-18 °C) overnight. Filtration was
performed to remove palladium and insoluble side products. Filtrate was dry loaded on silica gel and
chromatography using petroleum ether-ethyl acetate (20:1) as a mobile phase was performed. Combined
fractions were concentrated in vacuo and product 2 was spontaneously crystallized to obtain 8.9 g (40 %)
of ocher crystals with a majority of (E) isomer. mp = 112.5-115 °C. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): (E) major
δ 7.88-7.82 (m, 3H), 7.79 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 1H), 7.73 (d, J = 2.4 Hz, 1H), 7.60-7.57 (m, 2H), 7.42 (t, J = 7.3
Hz, 2H), 7.36-7.31 (m, 2H), 7.28 (d, J = 16.4 Hz, 1H), 7.24 (d, J = 16.4 Hz, 1H). 13C {1H} NMR (101 MHz,
CDCl3): (E) major δ 147.5, 136.8, 136.6, 133.7, 131.8, 130.5, 130.3, 128.8 (2 x C), 128.2, 128.1, 127.7,
126.7 (2xC), 126.2, 124.9, 119.3, 119.1, 118.8 (q, JC-F = 320.9 Hz, CF3). 19F {1H} NMR (376 MHz, CDCl3):
(E) major δ -75.93 (s, 3F). IR (cm−1): 3085, 3063, 1629, 1597, 1579, 1509, 1497, 1449, 1423, 1299, 1240,
1188, 1150, 1141, 1001, 980, 855, 830, 692, 618, 598, 559, 510, 500 cm-1. EIMS m/z: 378 (100%, M+⸱),
217 (77%), 202 (74%). HRMS (APCI/TOF) m/z M+ Calcd for C19H13F3O3S 379.0610; Found 379.0609.
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2-[2-(Pentafluorophenyl)ethenyl]-7-(2-phenylethenyl)naphthalene (3). 2-Trifluoromethylsulfonyloxy-
7-(2-phenylethenyl)naphthalene (2), (100 mg, 0.264 mmol, 1 eq), trans-di(μ-acetato)-bis[o-(di-o-
tolylphosphino)benzyl]dipalladium(II) (Herrmann’s catalyst, 5 mg, 5,29 µmol, 2 mol%), DABCO (59 mg,
0.529 mmol, 2 eq) and 2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorostyrene (0.037 mL, 0.316 mmol, 1.2 eq) were charged into 30
mL round-bottom reaction vessel and dissolved in DMA (10 mL). Reaction was heated up to 160 °C in
microwave reactor for 2 hours. After cooling down, methanol (10 ml) was added and reaction mixture was
allowed to precipitate in freezer (-18 °C) overnight. Precipitate was filtered out and extracted with hot
toluene (30 mL) to remove palladium. Solvent was removed in vacuo to provide 3 (61 mg, 55 %) as white
powder with a majority of (E,E) isomer. mp 221.0-229.0 °C. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): (E,E) major δ
7.90 (d, J = 9.2 Hz, 1H), 7.86 (d, J = 9.2 Hz, 1H), 7.83 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 1H), 7.82 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 1H), 7.76
(d, J = 8.6 Hz, 1H), 7.70 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 1H), 7.60 (d, J = 16.6 Hz, 1H), 7.58 (d, J = 7.5 Hz, 2H), 7.40 (t, J
= 7.5 Hz, 2H), 7.31-7.26 (m, 3H), 7.11 (d, J = 16.6 Hz, 1H). 13C {1H} NMR was not determined due to low
solubility. 19F {1H} NMR (376 MHz, CDCl3): (E,E) major δ -145.81 (dd, J = 20.8, 7.9 Hz, 2F), -159.58 (t,
J = 20.8 Hz, 1F), -166.05 (m, 2F). IR (cm−1): 3086, 3058, 1653, 1632, 1620, 1599, 1576, 1522, 1599, 1576,
1449, 1494, 1427, 1310, 1249, 1188, 1159, 1142, 1130, 1027, 1000, 971, 957, 854, 833, 694, 629, 614,
584, 435. EIMS m/z: 422 (100%, M+⸱), 228 (11%). HRMS (APCI/TOF) m/z: M+ Calcd for C26H15F5,
422.1094; Found 422.1077.
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2,7-Bis[2-(pentafluorophenyl)ethenyl]naphthalene
(4).
Naphthalene-2,7-diyl
bis(trifluoromethanesulfonate)81 (1, 100 mg, 0.236 mmol, 1 eq), trans-di(μ-acetato)-bis[o-(di-o-
tolylphosphino)benzyl]dipalladium (II) (Herrmann’s catalyst, 9 mg, 9,43 µmol, 4 mol%), DABCO (106
mg, 0.943 mmol, 4 eq) and 2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorostyrene (0.078 mL, 0.566 mmol, 2.4 eq) were charged into
30 mL round-bottom reaction vessel and dissolved in DMA (10 mL). Reaction mixture was heated up to
up to 160 °C in microwave reactor for 2 hours. After cooling down, methanol (10 ml) was added and
reaction mixture was allowed to precipitate in freezer (-18 °C) overnight. Precipitate was filtered out and
extracted with hot toluene (50 mL) to remove the palladium. Solvent was removed in vacuo to provide 4
(75 mg, 62 %) as a white powder with majority of (E,E)-isomer. mp 197.5-200.0 °C. 1H NMR (400 MHz,
CDCl3): (E,E) major δ 7.90 (s, 2H), 7.85 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.74 (dd, J = 8.6, 1.5 Hz, 2H), 7.60 (d, J =
16.9 Hz, 2H), 7.12 (d, J = 16.9 Hz, 2H). 13C {1H} NMR was not observed due to a low solubility. 19F {1H}
NMR (376 MHz, CDCl3): (E,E) major δ -145.74 (m, 4F), -159.33 (t, J = 20.7 Hz, 2F), -165.96 (m, 4F). IR
(cm−1): 1651, 1636 (CH=CH), 1617, 1598, 1521, 1497, 1430, 1316, 1250, 1144, 1132, 964, 855. EIMS
m/z: 512 (100%, M+⸱), 492 (13%), 472 (13%), 318 (10%), 256 (10%), 207 (12%). HRMS (APCI/TOF) m/z:
M+ Calcd for C26H10F10, 512.0623; Found 512.0618.
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2-[2-(Pentafluorophenyl)ethenyl]benzo[c]phenanthrene (5). Photoreaction in a batch setup (see SI) was
followed with bis-stilbene derivative 3 (0.5 g, 1.18 mmol, 1 eq), iodine (0.2 g, 0.79 mmol, 0.67 eq) and
toluene (1000 mL). The mixture was irradiated for 3 hours and then washed trough silica pad with sodium
thiosulfate to remove excess of iodine and insoluble reaction byproducts. Solvent was removed under
reduced pressure and the residue was purified by flash chromatography (RP silica gel, 9:1
acetonitrile/water) to provide 5 (2.5 mg, 0.5 %) as ocher crystals. mp 232.5-235.0 °C. 1H NMR (400 MHz,
CDCl3): (E) major δ 9.17 (s, 1H), 9.11 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 1H), 8.07-8.04 (m, 2H), 7.94-7.83 (m, 5H), 7.75 (m,
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1H), 7.73 (d, J = 16.6 Hz, 1H), 7.69-7.64 (m, 1H), 7.19 (d, J = 16.6 Hz, 1H). C {1H} NMR was not
observed due to a low solubility. 19F {1H} NMR (376 MHz, CDCl3): (E) major δ -145.73 (m, 2F), 159.61
(t, J = 20.7 Hz, 1F), -166.05 (m, 2F). IR (cm−1): 1651, 1631 (CH=CH), 1603, 1521, 1498, 1420, 1363,
1312, 1254, 1147, 1132, 1106, 1036, 971, 962, 860, 799, 658, 621, 574. EIMS m/z: 420 (100%, M+⸱), 400
(13%), 226 (16%). HRMS (APCI/TOF) m/z: M+ Calcd for C26H13F5, 420.0937; Found 420.0942.
1,2,3,4-Tetrafluoro[6]helicene (6). Procedure A: Photoreaction in a batch setup (see SI) was followed with
bis-stilbene derivative 3 (0.5 g, 1.18 mmol, 1 eq), iodine (0.2 g, 0.79 mmol, 0.67 eq) and toluene (1000
mL). The mixture was irradiated for 3 hours and then washed trough silica pad with sodium thiosulfate to
remove excess of iodine and insoluble reaction byproducts. Solvent was removed under reduced pressure
and the residue was purified by flash chromatography (RP silica gel, 9:1 acetonitrile/water) to provide 6
(10
mg,
2 %)
as
yellowish
crystals.
Procedure
B:
2-[2-(2,3,4,5-
Tetrafluorophenyl)ethenyl]benzo[c]phenanthrene (10) (2.0 g, 4.97 mmol, 1 eq) and iodine (0.2 g, 0.79
mmol, 0.16 eq) were dissolved in toluene (4 L) and subjected to the photoreaction in a continuous flow
setup (see chapter 1.2.2.) with a flow rate of 50 mL.min-1. Reaction mixture was washed through an in-line
column packed with silica gel (30 g) and sodium thiosulfate (50 g) to remove the excess iodine and insoluble
byproducts. Solvent was removed under reduced pressure and a recrystallization from DCM/heptane (1:1)
provided
6
(1.15 g, 58%) as yellowish crystals. Procedure C: 2-[2-(4-(2-(2,3,4,5-
Tetrafluorophenyl)ethenyl)phenyl)ethenyl]naphthalene (12) (200 mg, 0.495 mmol, 1 eq) and iodine (20
mg, 0.079 mmol, 0.15 eq) were charged into a tall 800 mL beaker, dissolved in toluene (500 mL) and
subjected to the photoreaction in a batch setup (see chapter 1.2.1.) for 2 hours. Reaction mixture was washed
trough a pad of sodium thiosulfate (30 g) to remove the excess of iodine (toluene), then concentrated in
vacuo and washed trough a silica pad (15 g, toluene) and evaporated. Recrystallization from DCM/heptane
(1:1) provided 6 (70 mg, 35 %) as yellowish crystals. mp 243.5-246.0 °C (P21/n), 220-225 °C (P212121).
1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ 8.17 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 1H), 8.16 (dd, J = 8.7, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 8.07-8.01 (m, 4H),
7.96 (s, 2H), 7.89 (dd, J = 8.0, 1.4 Hz, 1H), 7.30 (ddd, J = 8.0, 6.9, 1.1 Hz, 1H), 7.14 (bd, J = 8.5 Hz, 1H),
6.74 (ddd, J = 8.5, 6.9, 1.4 Hz, 1H) (in agreement with published data in lit.52). 13C {1H} NMR (101 MHz,
CDCl3): δ 143.5 (m, JC-F = 255.3 Hz), 142.1 (m, JC-F = 248.32 Hz), 138.5 (m, JC-F = 250.6 Hz), 137.6 (m,
JC-F = 252.3 Hz), 132.7, 132.4, 131.7, 130.4, 129.1, 129.0, 128.9, 128.4, 128.19, 128.15, 127.8, 126.3,
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19
126.1, 125.92, 125.88, 125.7, 124.7, 124.6, 124.0, 122.3, 118.0, 117.5 (d, J = 10.9 Hz). F {1H} NMR
(376 MHz, CDCl3): δ -131.90 (m, 1F), -153.05 (dd, J = 20.2, 13.0 Hz, 1F), -162.28 (dt, J = 20.2, 4.8 Hz,
1F), -163.13 (t, J = 20.2 Hz, 1F). IR (cm−1): 1655, 1531, 1510, 1493, 1306, 1182, 1132, 1073, 1015, 927,
582. EIMS m/z: 400 (100%, M+⸱), 380 (26%), 372 (10%), 360 (20%), 354 (15%), 336 (11%). HRMS
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3
4
5
6
7
8
[ ]20
+
(APCI/TOF) m/z: M Calcd for C26H12F4, 400.0875; Found 400.0869. Specific rotation: (+)-(P)-6 α
D
9
[ ]20
+2882 ± 4° (CHCl3, c 0.0257); (˗)-(M)-6 α -2849 ± 4° (CHCl3, c 0.0265).
D
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(1R,2R,3S,4S)-1,3-Bis(pentafluorophenyl)-2,4-bis(2-benzo[c]phenanthrenyl)cyclobutane
(7).
Photoreaction in a batch setup (see SI) was followed with bis-stilbene derivative 3 (0.5 g, 1.18 mmol, 1 eq),
iodine (0.2 g, 0.79 mmol, 0.67 eq) and toluene (1000 mL). The mixture was irradiated for 3 hours and then
washed trough silica pad with sodium thiosulfate to remove excess of iodine and insoluble reaction
byproducts. Solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the residue was purified by flash
chromatography (RP silica gel, 9:1 acetonitrile/water) to provide 7 (400 mg, 79 %) as pale brown powder.
mp n.d. (> 300 °C). 1 H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl3): δ 9.04 (s, 2H), 8.87 (d, J = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 8.05 (dd, J =
6.4, 1.6 Hz, 2H), 7.95 (d, J = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.92 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.86 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.83 (d, J =
8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.82 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.71-7.64 (m, 4H), 7.52 (bd, J = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 5.34-5.24 (m, 4H). 13C
{1H} NMR (126 MHz, CDCl3): δ 136.9, 133.5, 132.4, 131.3, 130.3, 130.1, 129.0, 128.7, 127.7, 127.3,
127.1, 127.0, 126.8, 126.18, 126.15, 126.1, 124.8, 46.2, 39.6. (Quaternary carbons interacting with fluorine
nuclei were not detected). 19F {1H} NMR (471 MHz, CDCl3): δ -144.06 (m, 4F), -155.18 (t, J = 21.7 Hz,
2F), -164.87 (dt, J = 21.7, 7.4 Hz, 4F). IR (cm−1): 2855, 1654, 1599, 1523, 1499, 1421, 1361, 1305, 1257,
1137, 1111, 976, 959, 868, 621, 577. HRMS (APCI/TOF) m/z: M+ Calcd for C52H26F10, 840.1875; Found
840.1955.
Benzo[c]phenanthrene-2-carbaldehyde (8). 2-Bromobenzo[c]phenantrene (ii) (6.26 g, 20.4 mmol, 1.0
eq) was dissolved in dry THF (150 mL) under argon atmosphere and cooled down to -78 °C. n-Butyllithium
solution (2.5M in hexanes, 10.6 mL, 26.5 mmol, 1.3 eq) was added dropwise and the mixture was stirred
for few minutes. Afterwards, N,N-dimethylformamide (4 mL, 51.7 mmol, 2.53 eq) was added and reaction
was stirred for an additional hour. Excessive n-butyllithium was quenched by addition of methanol (10
mL), reaction mixture was extracted with DCM (3 x 100 mL), and combined organic layers were dried over
anhydrous magnesium sulfate and filtered. Solvents were removed under reduced pressure and the residue
was recrystallized from DCM/methanol (2:1) mixture to provide 8 (5.07 g, 97%) as a white powder. mp
94-95 °C; (lit.82 mp 94.5-96 °C). 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ 10.29 (s, 1H), 9.60 (s, 1H), 9.08 (d, J =
8.4 Hz, 1H), 8.16−8.09 (m, 2H), 8.08 (dd, J = 7.9, 1.4 Hz, 1H), 8.02−7.94 (m, 3H), 7.87 (d, J = 8.5 Hz,
1H), 7.78 (ddd, J = 6.9, 6.9, 1.5 Hz, 1H), 7.70 (ddd, J = 6.9, 6.9, 1.2 Hz, 1H) (in agreement with published
data in lit.19). HRMS (APCI/TOF) m/z: [M+H]+ Calcd for C19H13O, 257.0961; Found 257.0959.
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(2,3,4,5-Tetrafluorobenzyl)triphenylphosphonium bromide (9)49. Into a solution of 2,3,4,5-
tetrafluorobenzylbromide (iv) (3.0 g, 13.35 mmol, 1 eq) in toluene (300 mL), triphenylphosphine (3.56 g,
13.58 mmol, 1.1 eq) was added and the mixture was heated up to reflux overnight. The reaction mixture
was cooled down to room temperature and the reaction mixture was concentrated to one third of volume
under reduced pressure. The precipitate was filtered out and washed with toluene (50 mL) to provide 9
(5.45 g, 87 %) as a white powder in a satisfactory purity. mp 222.5-223.9 °C. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3):
δ 7.86-7.79 (m, 9H), 7.71-7.65 (m, 6H), 7.43-7.34 (m, 1H), 5.64 (d, JH-P = 14.3 Hz, 2H). 13C {1H} NMR
(101 MHz, CDCl3): δ 146.8 (dm, JC-F = 249.6 Hz), 146.3 (dm, JC-F = 249.3 Hz), 140.4 (m, 2xC), 135.5 (d,
JC-P = 3.0 Hz, 3xC), 134.0 (d, JC-P = 10.0 Hz, 6xC), 130.3 (d, JC-P = 12.7 Hz, 6xC), 116.7 (d, JC-P = 86.2
Hz, 3xC), 114.9 (d, JC-P = 20.7 Hz), 111.9 (m), 24.0 (d, JC-P = 50.0 Hz). 19F {1H} NMR (376 MHz, CDCl3):
δ -139.49 (ddt, J = 21.6, 12.5, 2.9 Hz, 1F), -142.46 (ddt, J = 20.4, 12.4, 3.9 Hz, 1F), -156.56 (m, 1F), -
157.99 (tt, J = 20.5, 2.7 Hz, 1F). 31P {1H} NMR (162 MHz, CDCl3): δ 23.51 (m, 1P). HRMS (APCI/TOF)
m/z: M+ Calcd for C25H18PF4, 425.1077; Found 425.1075.
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(E)-2-[2-(2,3,4,5-Tetrafluorophenyl)ethenyl]benzo[c]phenanthrene (10). Diisopropylamine (990 µL,
7.02 mmol, 1.2 eq) was dissolved in dry THF (200 mL) in a 500 mL round-bottom flask under argon
atmosphere. The solution was cooled down to 0 °C and a solution of n-butyllithium (2.5M in hexanes, 2.58
mL, 1.1 eq) was added dropwise and stirred at 0 °C for an additional hour. The reaction mixture was then
cooled down to -78 °C and (2,3,4,5-tetrafluorobenzyl)triphenylphosphonium bromide (9) (3.55 g, 7.02
mmol, 1.2 eq) was added dropwise and stirred for an hour. Then, benzo[c]phenantrene-2-carbaldehyde (8)
(1.5 g, 5.85 mmol, 1 eq) was carefully added in a flow of argon and the mixture was heated up to 50 °C and
stirred at the same temperature under argon overnight. Reaction was quenched with an addition of water
(20 mL) and extracted with DCM (3 x 50 mL), dried over anhydrous MgSO4, filtered through a short silica
pad and dry-loaded to silica gel and purified by a column chromatography using petroleum ether as mobile
phase to provide (E)-10 (1.68 g, 71 %) as a white powder. mp 189.5-191.5 °C. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3):
δ 8.95 (s, 1H), 8.64 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 1H), 8.01 (dd, J = 7.9, 1.5 Hz, 1H), 7.93 – 7.80 (m, 5H), 7.62 (ddd, J =
8.0, 6.9, 1.1 Hz, 1H), 7.51 (ddd, J = 8.5, 6.9, 1.5 Hz, 1H), 7.45 (dd, J = 8.2, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.10 (d, J = 12.0
13
Hz, 1H), 6.99-6.91 (m, 1H), 6.62 (d, J = 12.0 Hz, 1H). C {1H} NMR was not observed due to a low
solubility. 19F {1H} NMR (376 MHz, CDCl3): δ -142.54 (m, 1F), -142.86 (m, 1F), -158.65 (m, 1F), -159.68
(m, 1F). IR (cm−1): 1632, 1606, 1599, 1527, 1481, 1430, 1365, 1305, 1234, 1261, 1159, 1136, 1111, 1069,
963, 870, 809, 664, 621, 575, 437. EIMS m/z: 402 (100%, M+⸱), 382 (11%), 226 (13%). HRMS (APCI/TOF)
m/z: M+ Calcd for C26H14F4, 402.1032; Found 402.1063.
(E)-4-[2-(2-Naphthalenyl)ethenyl]benzaldehyde (11). 250 mL round-bottomed flask was charged with
(E)-2-[2-(4-bromophenyl)ethenyl]naphthalene (i) (2.0 g, 6.47 mmol, 1 eq) and dry THF (100 mL) was
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added. Mixture was cooled down to -78 °C and a solution of n-butyllithium (2.5M in hexanes, 3.88 mL,
9.70 mmol, 1.5 eq) was slowly added. Reaction was allowed to stir for 3 hours at the same temperature and
dry DMF (0.75 mL, 9.70 mmol, 1.5 eq) was added. After 2 hours, the reaction was allowed to warm up to
rt and a saturated solution of NH4Cl was used to quench the reaction. Organic volatiles were evaporated at
reduced pressure. Water (50 mL) was added and the crude product was extracted with DCM (3 x 50 mL),
dried over anhydrous MgSO4, filtered through a short silica pad and dry-loaded to silica gel and purified by
a column chromatography using petroleum ether and DCM (2:1) as mobile phase to provide 0.65 g (39 %)
of 11 as a yellow solid. mp 162-163 °C (lit.51 mp 162-164 °C). 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ 10.01 (s,
1H), 7.91-7.82 (m, 6H), 7.77-7.70 (m, 3H), 7.51-7.48 (m, 2H), 7.44 (d, J = 16.1 Hz, 1H), 7.28 (d, J = 16.1
Hz, 1H) (in agreement with published data in lit.83).
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2-[2-(4-(2-(2,3,4,5-Tetraflorophenyl)ethenyl)phenyl)ethenyl]naphthalene (12). 500 mL round-
bottomed flask was charged with dry THF (200 mL) and diisopropylamine (0.76 mL, 5.42 mmol, 1.4 eq)
under argon atmosphere. The mixture was cooled down to 0 °C and a solution of n-butyllithium (2.5M in
hexanes, 2 mL, 5.03 mmol, 1.3 eq) was added dropwise and stirred at the same temperature for an hour.
Then,
the
reaction
mixture
was
cooled
down
to
-78
°C
and
(2,3,4,5-
tetrafluorobenzyl)triphenylphosphonium bromide (9) (2.34 g, 4.65 mmol, 1.2 eq) was carefully added in a
flow of argon. After an hour, 4-[2-(2-naphthalenyl)ethenyl] benzaldehyde (11) (1.0 g, 3.87 mmol, 1 eq) was
carefully added in a flow of argon and the reaction mixture was stirred at 50 °C under argon overnight.
Reaction was quenched by an addition of water (20 mL) and extracted with DCM (3 x 50 mL), dried over
anhydrous MgSO4 and filtered through a short silica pad (DCM). The volume of solvent was reduced under
in vacuo and the spontaneous crystallization provided 12 (1.15 g, 74 %) as a white powder, a mixture of
1
(E,E)- and (E,Z)-isomer. H NMR spectrum of (E,Z)-isomer was obtained via LC-1H-NMR with
acetonitrile/water (85:15) as mobile phase. mp 133.5-139.0 °C. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): (E,Z) major
δ 7.87-7.79 (m, 4H), 7.73 (d, J = 8.6, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.51 - 7.42 (m, 4H), 7.33-7.15 (m, 4H), 6.91 - 6.82 (m,
1H), 6.81 (d, J = 11.9 Hz, 1H), 6.47 (d, J = 11.9 Hz, 1H). 1H NMR (500 MHz, CH3CN/D2O): (E,Z) δ 7.96
(s, 1H), 7.91 - 7.86 (m, 3H), 7.83 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 1H), 7.55 - 7.47 (m, 4H), 7.40 (d, J = 16.5 Hz, 1H), 7.33
(d, J = 16.5, 1H), 7.24 (d, J = 8.2, 2H), 7.04 - 6.97 (m, 1H), 6.91 (d, J = 12.0 Hz, 1H), 6.52 (d, J = 12.0 Hz,
1H). 13C {1H} NMR was not observed due to a low solubility. 19F {1H} NMR (376 MHz, CDCl3): (E,E)
minor δ -142.86 (m, 1F), -147.25 (ddd, J = 20.1, 12.2, 2.2 Hz, 1F), -159.08 (m, 1F), -160.10 (m, 1F) ppm;
(E,Z) major δ -142.90 (ddd, J = 21.2, 12.0, 2.1 Hz, 1F), -143.24 (ddd, J = 20.9, 12.2, 3.3 Hz, 1F), -159.03
(td, J = 20.1, 2.3 Hz, 1F), -159.77 (ddd, J = 22.1, 19.5, 2.8 Hz, 1F). IR (cm−1): 3060, 3032, 1633 (CH=CH),
1621, 1602, 1572, 1524, 1511, 1479, 1405, 1326, 1275, 1242, 1185, 1049, 961, 934, 829. EIMS m/z: 404
(100%, M+⸱), 228 (16%). HRMS (APCI/TOF) m/z: M+ Calcd for C26H16F4, 404.1188; Found 404.1179.
2,7-Naphthalenedicarbaldehyde (13). 2,7-Dibromonaphtalene (3 g, 10.50 mmol, 1 eq) was dissolved in
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dry THF (100 mL) under argon in a 250 mL round-bottomed flask. The mixture was cooled down to -78 °C
and a solution of tert-butyllithium (1.9M in pentane, 28.7 mL, 5.2 eq) was added dropwise and allowed to
stir for an hour at the same temperature. DMF (4 mL, 52 mmol, 5 eq) was added and the mixture was stirred
at the same temperature for 30 min and then allowed to heat up to room temperature (30 min) then it was
quenched by an addition of aqueous 10% HCl (10 mL). Solvents were removed and the crude product was
extracted with DCM (3 x 80 mL). Combined organic fractions were dried over anhydrous MgSO4, filtered
through a short silica pad and evaporated to dryness. The residue was dry loaded onto silica gel and purified
by a column chromatography with petroleum ether/ethyl acetate (10:1) as mobile phase to provide 13 (1.74
g, 90 %) as a white solid after spontaneous crystallization. mp 144-146°C (petroleum ether-ethyl acetate);
(lit.84 mp 145-146 °C / DCM). 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ 10.23 (s, 2H), 8.52 (s, 2H), 8.12 (dd, J = 8.5,
1.5 Hz, 2H) 8.03 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 2H) (in agreement with published data in lit.84).
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2,7-Bis[2-(2,3,4,5-tetrafluorophenyl)ethenyl]naphthalene (14). 500 mL round-bottomed flask was
charged with dry THF (200 mL) and diisopropylamine (2.2 mL, 15.64 mmol, 2.4 eq) under argon
atmosphere. The mixture was cooled down to 0 °C and a solution of n-butyllithium (2.5M in hexanes, 5.73
mL, 2.2 eq) was added dropwise and stirred at the same temperature for an hour. Then, the reaction mixture
was cooled down to -78 °C and (2,3,4,5-tetrafluorobenzyl)triphenyl phosphonium bromide (9) (7.9 g, 15.64
mmol, 2.4 eq) was carefully added in a flow of argon. After an hour, 2,7-naphthalenedicarbaldehyde (13)
(1.2 g, 6.51 mmol, 1.0 eq was carefully added in a flow of argon and the reaction mixture was stirred at 50
°C under argon overnight. Reaction was quenched by an addition of water (20 mL) and extracted with DCM
(3 x 75 mL), dried over anhydrous MgSO4, filtered through a short silica pad and evaporated to dryness.
The residue was dry loaded onto silica gel and purified by a column chromatography with petroleum ether
1
as a mobile phase to provide 14 (3.0 g, 97 %) as a white powder, a mixture of isomers. H NMR spectra
were obtained for all three (E,E)/(E,Z)/(Z,Z)-isomers via LC-1H-NMR with acetonitrile/water (85:15) as
mobile phase. mp 98.5-103.5 °C. 1H NMR (500 MHz, CH3CN/D2O): (Z,Z) δ 7.67 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.53
(s, 2H), 7.24 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 2H), 6.96 (d, J = 11.9 Hz, 2H), 6.91-6.85 (m, 2H), 6.53 (d, J = 11.9 Hz, 2H)
ppm; (E,Z) δ 7.85-7.71 (m, 3H) 7.69 (s, 1H) 7.51-7.45 (m, 1H), 7.37 (d, J = 16.2 Hz, 1H), 7.27 (m, 1H),
7.01 (d, J = 12.2 Hz, 1H), 6.95-6.89 (m, 2H), 6.57 (d, J = 12.2 Hz, 2H) ppm; (E,E) δ 7.98 (s, 2H), 7.87 (d,
J = 8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.79 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.53-7.48 (m, 2H), 7.42 (d, J = 16.5 Hz, 2H), 7.32 (d, J = 16.5
19
Hz, 2H). 13C {1H} NMR was not observed due to a low solubility. F {1H} NMR (376 MHz, CDCl3): δ
(Z,Z) major -142.86 (ddd, J = 21.0, 12.4, 2.2 Hz, 2F), -143.20 (ddd, J = 20.7, 12.1, 3.1 Hz, 2F), -158.94 (td,
J = 20.4, 2.4 Hz, 2F), -159.48 (td, J = 20.3, 3.1 Hz, 2F). IR (cm−1): 1637 (CH=CH), 1621, 1599, 1562,
1523, 1479, 1432, 1310, 1273, 1245, 1239, 1133, 1160, 956, 926, 911, 853, 615, 584, 436. EIMS m/z: 476
(100%, M+⸱), 456 (11%), 436 (13%), 300 (16%). HRMS (APCI/TOF) m/z: M+ Calcd for C26H12F8,
476.0811; Found 476.0817.
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1,2,3,4,13,14,15,16-Octafluoro[6]helicene (15). 2,7-Bis[2-(2,3,4,5-tetrafluorophenyl)ethenyl]naphthalene
(14) (1.0 g, 2.1 mmol, 1 eq) and iodine (0.2 g, 0.79 mmol, 0.16 eq) were dissolved in toluene (2 L) and
subjected to the photoreaction in a continuous flow setup (see chapter 1.2.2.) with a flow rate of 50 mL.min-
1. Reaction mixture was washed through an in-line column packed with silica gel (30 g) and sodium
thiosulfate (50 g) to remove the excess iodine and insoluble byproducts. Solvent was removed under
reduced pressure and a recrystallization from hot toluene provided 15 (0.31 g, 78 %) as yellow crystals. 1H
NMR (400 MHz, C6D6): δ 7.82 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.73 (d, J = 8.2 Hz, 2H), 7.60 (d, J = 8.2 Hz, 2H), 7.50
(d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H). 13C {1H} NMR (126 MHz, C2D2Cl4, 95 °C): δ 131.9, 131.0, 128.0, 127.6, 127.0, 124.8,
123.1, 118.4 (m), 118.0, 115.0 (Other quaternary carbons interacting with fluorine nuclei were not
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detected). F {1H} NMR (376 MHz, CDCl3): δ -135.06 (m, 2F), -151.73 (dd, J = 20.4, 12.9 Hz, 2F), -
161.25 (td, J = 20.4, 4.1 Hz, 2F), -162.71 (t, J = 20.1 Hz, 2F). IR (cm−1): 1654, 1522, 1497, 1273, 1184,
1013, 957, 649, 579. EIMS m/z: 472 (100%, M+⸱), 452 (12%), 403 (20%), 372 (29%). HRMS (APCI/TOF)
m/z: M+ Calcd for C26H8F8 472.0498; found 472.0490. Sublimation Point: 329 °C (760 mmHg).
(E)-2-[2-(4-Bromophenyl)ethenyl]naphthalene (i). Sodium hydride (60% in mineral oil, 0.27 g, 6.7
mmol, 1.05 eq) was charged into round-bottomed flask and dry THF (50 mL) was added. Into the
suspension, diethyl 4-bromobenzylphosphonate85 (2.06 g, 6.7 mmol, 1.05 eq) was added dropwise and
stirred for 10 minutes. A solution of 2-napthaldehyde (1.0 g, 6.4 mmol, 1 eq in 30 mL of dry THF) was
added dropwise. Mixture was heated up to 50 °C and stirred overnight. Reaction was quenched with
addition of water (100 mL) and THF was evaporated. Precipitate was filtered out, dissolved in DCM (50
mL), dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate and filtered through a silica pad (DCM). Solvents were
evaporated and residual volatiles removed under high vacuum yielding the desired intermediate (E)-(i)
(1.65 g, 83%) as a white powder. mp 187-188 °C (methanol); (lit.86 mp 188.5-189 °C / acetone). 1H NMR
(400 MHz, CDCl3): δ 7.89−7.79 (m, 4H), 7.73 (dd, J = 8.7 Hz, 1.7 Hz, 1H), 7.53−7.40 (m, 6H), 7.27 (d,
J = 16.3 Hz, 1H), 7.16 (d, J = 16.3 Hz, 1H) (in agreement with published data in lit.19,86).
2-Bromobenzo[c]phenanthrene (ii). (E)-2-[2-(4-Bromophenyl)ethenyl]naphthalene (i) (4.0 g, 13 mmol,
1 eq) and iodine (330 mg, 1.3 mmol, 0.1 eq) were dissolved in 4 L of toluene. The reaction mixture was
subjected to the photoreaction in a continuous flow setup (see chapter 1.2.2.) with a flow rate of 50 mL.min-
1. After the completion of photoreaction, reaction mixture was washed through the layer of sodium
thiosulfate (50 g) and silica gel (30 g) using toluene. Solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the
crude product was recrystallized from hot methanol to provide the desired intermediate (ii) (2.43 g, 61%)
as white crystals. The mother liquor was evaporated to dryness and purified by column chromatography
using 30:1 hexane/ethyl acetate yielding additional (ii) (1.07 g, 27%). The overall yield of the reaction was
3.50 g (88%) of (ii). mp 87-88 °C; (lit.86 mp 86-88 °C). 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ 9.29 (d, J = 1.8 Hz,
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1 H), 9.05 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 1H), 8.03 (dd, J = 7.9, 1.4 Hz, 1H), 7.93 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 1H), 7.89 (d, J = 8.5 Hz,
1H), 7.86−7.85 (m, 2H), 7.82 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 1H), 7.74 (ddd, J = 6.9, 6.9, 1.5 Hz, 1H), 7.71 (dd, J = 6.7, 1.9
Hz, 1H), 7.66 (ddd, J = 6.9, 6.9, 1.2 Hz, 1H) (in agreement with published data in lit.19,86). HRMS
(APCI/TOF) m/z: [M+H]+ Calcd for C18H12Br, 307.0116 ([M+H]+); Found 307.0115.
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2,3,4,5-Tetrafluorobenzylalcohol (iii). A suspension of sodium tetrahydroborate (1.1 g, 29 mmol, 1.4 eq)
in dry THF (100 mL) was prepared under argon in 250 mL round-bottom flask. A solution of 2,3,4,5-
tetrafluorobenzoic acid (4.0 g, 20.1 mmol, 1.0 eq) in dry THF (50 mL) was added dropwise and stirred until
the gas evolution stopped. The solution of iodine (2.88 g, 11.35 mmol, 0.55 eq) in dry THF (20 mL) was
added dropwise. The reaction mixture was stirred at 55 °C overnight under condenser, then it was quenched
by an addition of MeOH (10 mL). Solvents were removed under reduced pressure and the crude reaction
product was dissolved in DCM (100 mL), washed through a silica pad (DCM) and evaporated to dryness.
The vacuum distillation at 82-85 °C (8 mmHg) provided (iii) (3.12 g, 84 %) as a yellowish oil. bp = 82-85
1
°C / 8 mmHg (lit.87 (bp 132-134 °C / 60 mmHg). H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 7.40-7.30 (m, 1H),
5.58 (t, J = 5.8 Hz, 1H), 4.55 (d, J = 5.8 Hz, 2H). 13C {1H} NMR (101 MHz, CDCl3): δ 147.2 (dddd, JC-F
= 247.0, 10.1, 3.6, 2.1 Hz), 144.8 (dddd, JC-F = 246.1, 10.5, 3.7, 1.5 Hz), 140.5 (dddd, JC-F = 253.3, 16.4,
12.4, 3.8 Hz), 139.9 (dddd, JC-F = 252.8, 16.7, 12.3, 3.5 Hz), 124.2 (ddd, JC-F = 13.6, 6.3, 3.9 Hz), 109.7
19
(dt, JC-F = 19.9, 3.9 Hz), 57.9 (t, JC-F = 3.2 Hz). F {1H} NMR (376 MHz, CDCl3): δ -142.29 (ddd, J =
21.1, 13.0, 2.6 Hz, 1F), -148.39 (ddd, J = 20.8, 13.0, 2.9 Hz, 1F), -159.13 (dt, J = 20.0, 2.3 Hz, 1F), -160.13
(ddd, J = 20.8, 19.4, 2.8 Hz, 1F). EIMS m/z 180 (100%, M+⸱), 163 (25%), 159 (100%), 151 (75%), 132
(50%). HRMS (APCI/TOF) m/z: detected as fluorinated tropylium cation (major peak): M+ Calcd for
+
C7H3F4 , 163.0165; Found 163.0168; product (minor peak): M+ Calcd for C7H4F4O, 180.0198; Found
180.0198.
2,3,4,5-Tetrafluorobenzylbromide (iv). 2,3,4,5-Tetrafluorobenzylalcohol (iii) (2.66 g, 14.8 mmol, 1 eq)
was dissolved in dry Et2O (50 mL) and cooled down to 0 °C. Phosphorus tribromide (4.40 g, 16.25 mmol,
1.1 eq) was added dropwise and the reaction mixture was kept at 0°C for 3 hours then slowly allowed to
warp up to room temperature and stirred at the same temperature overnight. The reaction mixture was
quenched by addition of water (5 mL) and extracted to Et2O (3 x 25 mL), dried over anhydrous MgSO4 and
concentrated in vacuo. The vacuum distillation at 50 °C (4 mmHg) provided (iv) (3.35 g, 93 %) as a clear
colorless liquid. Product (iv) was stored at 5 °C and protected from light. bp = 50 °C / 4 mmHg (lit.87 bp
107-110 °C / 65 mmHg). 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ 7.04 (m, 1H), 4.43 (d, J = 1.4 Hz, 2H). 13C {1H}
NMR (101 MHz, CDCl3): δ 147.0 (dddd, JC-F = 248.1, 10.2, 3.7, 2.4 Hz), 145.7 (dddd, JC-F = 250.2, 10.8,
3.7, 1.5 Hz), 142.2 – 141.7 (m), 139.7 – 139.2 (m), 121.6 (m), 112.1 (dt, J = 19.9, 3.1 Hz), 23.3 (m). 19F
{1H} NMR (376 MHz, CDCl3): δ -141.44 (ddd, J = 20.9, 12.5, 2.6 Hz, 1F), -144.69 (ddd, J = 19.8, 12.5,
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4.1 Hz, 1F), -157.31 (ddd, J = 20.9, 19.8, 4.1 Hz, 1F), -157.63 (td, J = 19.8, 2.6 Hz, 1F). EIMS m/z: 244
(5%), 242 (5%, M+⸱), 163 (100%), 143 (25%). HRMS (APCI/TOF) m/z: n.d. (decomposition). HRMS
(EI/TOF) m/z: [M]+ Calcd for C7H3F4Br, 241.9353 ([M+H]+); Found 241.9354.
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AUTHOR INFORMATION
Corresponding Authors
*cirkva@icpf.cas.cz
*sykora@icpf.cas.cz
*jan.vacek@upol.cz
ORCID
Vladimír Církva: 0000-0001-5351-4003
Jan Hrbáč: 0000-0002-1079-4276
Pavel Jakubík: 0000-0001-5079-0555
Jan Storch: 0000-0002-1970-8485
Tomáš Strašák: 0000-0001-6413-0494
Jan Sýkora: 0000-0002-2930-8880
Jan Vacek: 0000-0001-5490-082X
Ivana Císařová: 0000-0002-9612-9831
Jaroslav Žádný: 0000-0002-3737-3519
SUPPORTING INFORMATION
Setup of photoreactions, X-ray crystallography details, separation of enantiomers and racemization barrier
determination, DFT Calculations details, 1H, 19F, 13C, 31P NMR spectra.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This work was supported by the Czech Science Foundation, (V.C., grant No. 17-02578S, synthetic part, J.
Sýkora, I.C.: grant No. 15-12719S, NMR, DFT and X-ray study) and the Czech Ministry of Education,
Youth and Sports (J.V., RVO: 61989592, electrochemical studies). The authors are grateful to Andrew
Christensen for proof reading.
Keywords
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Fluorohelicenes, flow reactor, photocyclization, enantiomer, optical properties
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