Dibenzo[a,e]pentalenes with Low-Lying LUMO Energy Levels as Potential n-Type Materials

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/acs.joc.7b02250

Ambipolar organic semiconductors are of high interest for organic field-effect transistors. For n-type conduction, low LUMO energies are required. Dibenzo[a,e]pentalenes (DBPs) are promising compounds; however, few derivatives exist with energetically low-lying LUMO levels. Here, we present DBP derivatives with LUMO energies down to -3.73 eV and small bandgaps down to 1.63 eV determined through cyclic voltammetry, UV/vis absorption spectroscopy, and TDDFT calculations. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis revealed a 1D π-stacking mode. The addition of arylalkynyl substituents at the five-membered rings in a facile and versatile synthetic route allowed for tuning of the band gaps and LUMO energies. The synthetic route can easily be modified to access a variety of DBP derivatives. The LUMO energies of the DBP derivatives presented herein make them attractive for an application in n-type or ambipolar field-effect transistors.

Full text of DOI:10.1021/acs.joc.7b02250

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Article
Dibenzo[a,e]pentalenes with Low-Lying LUMO
Energy Levels as Potential n-Type Materials
David Christopher Grenz, Maximilian Schmidt, Daniel Kratzert, and Birgit Esser
J. Org. Chem., Just Accepted Manuscript • DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.7b02250 • Publication Date (Web): 12 Dec 2017
Downloaded from http://pubs.acs.org on December 15, 2017
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Dibenzo[a,e]pentalenes with Low-Lying LUMO Energy Levels
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as Potential n-Type Materials
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David C. Grenz,1 Maximilian Schmidt, 1 Daniel Kratzert,2 and Birgit Esser1,*
1 Institute for Organic Chemistry, University of Freiburg, Albertstraße 21, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
2 Institute for Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, University of Freiburg, Albertstraße 21, 79104
Freiburg, Germany
Email: besser@oc.uni-freiburg.de
Abstract
Ambipolar organic semiconductors are of high interest for organic field-effect transistors. In order to allow
for n-type conduction, low LUMO energies are required. Dibenzo[a,e]pentalenes (DBPs) are promising
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compounds, however, few derivatives exist with energetically low-lying LUMO levels. Here we present
DBPs derivatives with LUMO energies down to −3.73 eV and small bandgaps down to 1.63 eV, determined
through cyclic voltammetry, UV/Vis absorption spectroscopy and TDDFT calculations. Single crystal X-ray
diffraction analysis revealed a 1D-π-stacking mode. The addition of arylalkynyl-substituents at the five-
membered rings in a facile and versatile synthetic route allowed for a tuning of the band-gaps and LUMO
energies. The synthetic route can easily be modified to access a variety of DBP derivatives. The LUMO
energies of the DBP derivatives presented herein make them attractive for an application in n-type or
ambipolar field-effect transistors.
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Introduction
Polycyclic conjugated hydrocarbons containing fused five- and six-membered rings have attracted interest
for a long time,1 and many new derivatives have been synthesized in the past few years.2–11 These
compounds are so-called non-alternant hydrocarbons.12 They have been discussed in the context of
antiaromaticity, since counting π-electrons in such linearly fused systems that contain an even number of
five-membered rings results in a multiple of 4n, indicating potentially antiaromatic character.4,5,8,11 True
antiaromatic character has been observed for pentalene, an unstable and highly reactive species, which
could only be isolated when kinetically stabilized through sterically demanding substituents.13,14 When
two benzene rings are fused to the pentalene core, dibenzo[a,e]pentalene (DBP, 1 in Figure 1) is formed,
where the aromatic character of the six-membered rings prevails, resulting in a thermodynamically and
kinetically stable compound.13 The presence of five-membered rings in polycyclic conjugated
hydrocarbons leads to a lowering of the LUMO energy relative to acenes, composed solely of six-
membered rings, and consequently a small band gap, as observed for many compounds such as
fullerenes,15 pentalene derivatives,2–5 indenofluorenes,6,16 and others.9 This shift in orbital energies can be
explained by the non-alternant nature of the π-systems.12 Due to their low bandgap, DBP derivatives show
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amphoteric redox behavior. This makes them particularly attractive for applications in organic field-effect
transistors (OFETs), as shown for several diaceno[a,e]pentalenes.17–21 When the LUMO energy is lowered
further, DBP derivatives have the potential to be used as n-type materials.21 Compared to their p-type
analogues, much fewer examples of n-type materials for OFETs exist, and hence the development of new
materials is of high interest.22,23 We have recently shown that the HOMO and LUMO energy levels in DBP
can be tuned through modification of substituents at the 2,7-positions with the strongest effect on the
HOMO levels (2 in Figure 1).24 In the LUMO of DBP, the largest coefficients are found on the C5 and C10-
positions,25 hence it is expected that substituents here have the highest influence on the LUMO energy
levels. We herein present the synthesis, optoelectronic properties and TDDFT calculations on eight DBP
derivatives 3, where LUMO energies were varied between −3.36 eV and −3.73 eV. Electronically
modulating substituents were introduced at the 5,10-positions via alkynyl bridges to ensure co-planarity
and unhindered conjugation.
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R
5
2
7
3
a
R
10
1
4-NMe2
b
c
4-OMe
H
4-Cl
Mes
Mes
Mes
R
d
e
3,5-(CF3)2
f
g
4-CN
4-NO2
R
3a–h
Mes
F5
h
2
R = Electron-donating or -withdrawing group
R
Figure 1. Dibenzo[a,e]pentalene (DBP, 1), DBP derivatives 2,24 previously investigated, and donor/acceptor-
functionalized DBPs 3a–h, presented herein.
Results and Discussion
In the past ten years many new synthetic strategies of DBP derivatives have been reported.26–34 In the
original route by Brand1 the DBP core is generated by addition of Grignard reagents to diphenyl
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succindandione followed by a two-fold elimination of water. This has the advantage of allowing for a late-
stage functionalization of the DBP core and provides facile access to differently substituted derivatives.
The synthesis of 3a–h proceeded through bisethynyl-substituted diol 4, which is a versatile DBP precursor
for further functionalization (Scheme 1). 4 was accessed in two steps from dibromodiphenyl
succindandione 5, which was first subjected to Suzuki-Miyaura coupling with mesityl boronic acid pinacol
ester to introduce solubility-enhancing mesityl substituents at the 2,7-positions, providing diketone 7 in
82% yield. The cerium trichloride-promoted35 nucleophilic addition of ethynyl magnesium bromide to 7
yielded diol 4. Electronically modulating aryl groups were attached to 4 using Sonogashira coupling
reactions with the corresponding aryl iodides to furnish diols 8a–h, followed by acid-catalyzed water
elimination yielding DBP derivatives 3a–h. Using dehydrated p-TsOH in toluene allowed performing the
final water elimination step under mild conditions at room temperature. DBP derivatives 3a–h were dark
red to purple-colored solids, indicating their low band gap.
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(pin)B-Mes (6)
Pd(PPh3)4
Na2CO3
O
O
Mes
Br
Mes
Br
THF/H2O
reflux, 15 h
82%
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HO
MgBr
CeCl3
Pd(PPh3)2Cl2
CuI
Mes
Mes
THF
NEt3/toluene
rt or 60 ºC, o.n.
−20 ºC to rt
24 h
88%
OH
4
R
R = 4-NMe2 (3a)
4-OMe (3b)
H (3c)
15%
48%
68%
38%
HO
p-TsOH
4-Cl (3d)
Mes
Mes
toluene
rt, 3-5 h
3,5-(CF3)2 (3e) 77%
4-CN (3f)
4-NO2 (3g)
F5 (3h)
50%
64%
30%
OH
8a–h
R
Scheme 1. Synthesis of DBP derivatives 3a–h.
5,10-Bis(arylalkynyl)-substituted DBPs have also been reported by Otera and coworkers before.36 Their
route, however, started from highly strained 5,6,11,12-tetradehydrodibenzo[a,e]cyclooctene, which is
challenging to synthesize.37 Our synthetic route to 3a–h is facile and versatile, since diketone 5 as starting
material can be accessed in gram-scale quantities from inexpensive starting materials and reagents.24
Cross-coupling reactions allow for a substitution of the bromine atoms in 5 by any aromatic or other group
(in our case mesityl), and the nucleophilic addition of ethynyl magnesium bromide to 7 can also be
performed on large scale.
In order to allow for an interpretation of the UV/Vis absorption spectra and electrochemical
measurements, TDDFT calculations were performed on DBP derivatives 3a–h. For calculations all mesityl
groups in 3a–h were replaced by methyl groups, denoted with an asterisk (3a*–h*). In a previous study
on 2,7-bisarylalkynyl substituted DBPs 2 the TPSSH38,39 functional best reproduced experimental orbital
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energies, while the B3LYP40,41 functional gave the best absorption spectra compared to experimental
results (see the Supporting Information for more details).24 Hence, these functionals were used in this
study for DBPs 3a*–h* in combination with D342,43 and the def2-TZVP44 basis set.
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Figure 2. Cyclic voltammograms of 3a–h (1 mM in CH2Cl2, 0.1 M n-Bu4NPF6, scan rate 0.1 V s−1, glassy carbon electrode
for 3b–f, Pt electrode for 3a, 3g, and 3h).45
The amphoteric redox behavior of DBP derivatives 3a–h became apparent in the cyclic voltammograms
(Figure 2 and Table 1), where each featured two reduction waves and one oxidation wave. Only for
derivatives 3f and 3g with electron-withdrawing substituents, no oxidation was observed in the
electrochemical window of the solvent (more CV measurements can be found in the SI). HOMO and LUMO
energies were obtained from the onset of the first oxidation/reduction peak vs. Fc/Fc+, assuming an
ionization energy of 4.8 eV for ferrocene,46 and compared to calculated orbital energies (TPSSH-D3/def2-
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TZVP, Figure 3). DBP derivatives 3a–h showed LUMO energies between −3.36 and −3.73 eV, with the latter
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Figure 3. Energy diagram of experimental HOMO/LUMO energies of 3a–h (from CV measurements in solution,
determined from the onset of the first reduction/oxidation peak vs. Fc/Fc+, assuming an ionization energy of 4.8 eV
for ferrocene46) and calculated HOMO/LUMO energies of 3a*–h* (TPSSH-D3/def2-TZVP).
The LUMO energy levels of 3a–h lie lower than those of 2,7-substituted DBP derivatives 2, where values
between −3.18 and −3.34 eV were measured.24 This is in accordance with our assumption that attaching
substituents at the 5,10-positions most strongly affects the LUMO energies. With values between −5.00
and −5.78 eV the HOMO energy levels of 3a–h lie in a range comparable to those measured for 2 (−5.17
to −5.77 eV). The calculated orbital energies of DBP derivatives 3e*–h* with electron-withdrawing
substituents were found relatively close in energy to the experimental ones, while those for 3a*–d* with
electron-neutral or -rich substituents deviated more strongly. As had been observed for derivatives 2, the
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energetic order of the HOMOs and LUMOs of 3a–h corresponds well with the Hammett constants σ of the
substituents R: the σpara constants amount to −0.83 for NMe2 (3a), −0.27 for OMe (3b), 0 for H (3c), 0.23
for Cl (3d), 0.43 for CF3 (σmeta, (3e)), 0.66 for CN (3f), and 0.78 for NO2 (3g) (a Hammett substitution
constant for five fluorine substituents as in 3h is not available).47
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Table 1. Electrochemical and Optical Data for DBPs 3a–h.
E1/2 Red-2 / V
−2.05
E1/2 Red-1 / V
−1.52
E1/2 Ox / V
0.22
0.79c
0.93
0.92
1.05
1.03
–
Eg (el. chem.) / eVa
Eg (opt) / eVb
1.63
3a
3b
3c
3d
3e
3f
1.64
2.02
2.09
2.09
2.02
2.06
2.00
2.07
−1.88
−1.43
1.82
−1.76
−1.34
1.88
−1.82
−1.36
1.91
−1.60
−1.20
1.84
−1.56
−1.21
1.90
3g
3h
−1.65
−1.23
1.86
−1.54
−1.14
1.23c
1.83
b
aFrom the onsets of the reduction/oxidation peaks; from the onset of the longest wavelength absorption band;
canodic peak potential.
The LUMOs in DBPs 3a*–h* are distributed over the DBP core and the arylalkynyl substituents, while the
HOMOs are mostly localized on the DBP core (see representative orbital representations in Figure 4).
Exceptions are the NMe2- and OMe-substituted derivatives 3a* and 3b*, where the HOMO and HOMO−1
are switched in energetic order compared to the other DBPs. Here the HOMO is spread out over the
arylalkynyl substituents, likely due to the electron-donating nature of the NMe2 and OMe substituents. As
a result the HOMO has bg symmetry, which leads to an allowed HOMO-LUMO transition (bg à au), visible
in the absorption spectrum of 3a and 3b, as will be discussed later.
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Figure 4. Molecular orbitals of 3a* (left) and 3h* (right) (TPSSH-D3/def2-TZVP).
The absorption spectra of DBPs 3a–h demonstrate the low bandgap of these compounds (Figure 5).
According to Laporte’s rule the HOMO-LUMO transition is symmetry-forbidden in a centrosymmetric
molecule when both orbitals are of au symmetry.48 This is the case for derivatives 3c–h, while in 3a and 3b
the HOMO has bg symmetry (see Figure 4). Hence the HOMO à LUMO transitions (S0 to S1) were only
visible for 3a and 3b with NMe2 and OMe substituents at 565 and 574 nm, respectively, with extinction
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coefficients of log ε = 5.0 and 3.6 (see logarithmic scale in the inset in Figure 5). For 3c–h the lowest visible
absorption bands from 494–512 nm correspond to the HOMO−1 à LUMO transitions, according to TDDFT
calculations, with log ε values of 4.2–4.7. The other absorption bands represent multiple transitions
involving energetically lower or higher lying orbitals (see SI for details on TDDFT calculations). Compared
to the 2,7-substituted DBP derivatives 2 described previously, the absorption range in 3a–h is wider,
spanning the range from 260 to 790 nm compared to 270–680 nm in 2.24
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Figure 5. Absorption spectra of 3a–h in CH2Cl2 solution (Inset: Spectra plotted on a logarithmic scale).
None of the DBP derivatives 3a–h showed fluorescence, which had also been observed for 2,7-substituted
DBP derivatives 2.24 For the structurally related indeno[1,2-b]fluorenes the lack of emissive properties was
rationalized through transient absorption spectroscopy measurements that showed that the excited state
lifetimes were shorter than the timescale at which fluorescence is usually observed.49
Although challenging to crystallize, single crystals suitable for X-ray diffraction were obtained from chloro-
(3d, Figure 6) and methoxy-substituted DBP 3b (see the Supporting Information). With bond lengths
between 1.397 and 1.436 Å, the C-C bonds in the six-membered rings of the DBP unit are fairly equally
distributed and indicate aromatic conjugation within these rings. In the five-membered rings, on the other
hand, significant bond length alternation is observed: With 1.521(3) Å the C9’–C16 bond can be classified
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as a single bond, while the lengths of the bonds C10–C11 and C10–C10’ (1.496(4) Å, 1.476(5) Å) indicate
partial conjugation as does the distance of 1.392(3) Å for the C9–C10 bond. These bond lengths indicate
that significant conjugation is present between the double bonds in the pentalene units and the aryl-
alkyne units. As can be seen in Figure 6b the molecules of 3d pack in a 1D-π-stacking pattern, where the
distance between the DBP cores in two stacked layers amounts to 4.7 Å (4.8 Å for 3b, see the Supporting
Information) with a shift of 7.1 Å parallel to the rings’ mean plane. The packing is stabilized by π-π-
interactions between the chlorobenzene units, which align in a parallel fashion, spaced out by 3.51 Å
(Figure 6c, 2.39 Å for 3b). The dihedral angle between the mesityl groups and the DBP core amounts to
66°, while that between the chlorobenzene units and the DBP core is 81°.
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Figure 6. Molecular structure (a) and packing diagrams (b, c) of 3d (hydrogen atoms are omitted for clarity, thermal
ellipsoids (in a) are shown at 50% probability level).50
Conclusions
In conclusion we have presented facile and versatile access to 5,10-bis(arylalkyne)-substituted
dibenzo[a,e]pentalenes 3 with mesityl groups in the 2,7-positions. Electrochemical, optical and theoretical
investigations of eight derivatives 3a–h showed that the HOMO/LUMO energy levels can be tuned and
low-lying LUMO energies down to −3.73 eV and small bandgaps down to 1.63 eV (optical band gap) can
be achieved. X-ray crystallographic analysis of derivative 3d revealed 1D-π-stacking in the solid state.
These values render DBP derivatives 3a–h of interest as ambipolar or n-type materials for organic field-
effect transistors.
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Experimental Section
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Chemicals were purchased from Acros-Organics, Alfa-Aesar, Merck, Roth, Sigma-Aldrich, ChemPur TCI-
Europe or VWR and used directly without further purification unless otherwise noted. Experiments with
moisture- or oxygen-sensitive substances were carried out in dried glassware – heated under vacuum
(10−3 mbar) – under argon atmosphere using standard Schlenk techniques. Anhydrous solvents (THF,
toluene, CH2Cl2) were obtained from an M. BRAUN solvent purification system (MB-SPS-800) and stored
over 3 Å molecular sieves for a minimum duration of 48 h before use. Other anhydrous solvents were
obtained by drying over activated molecular sieves (3 Å) for several days. Diethyl ether, ethyl acetate and
cyclohexane were purchased in technical grade and purified via distillation using a rotary evaporator.
Other solvents were purchased and used in analytical or HPLC grade. 1H, 13C{1H} and 19F NMR spectra were
recorded at 300 K on the following spectrometers: Bruker Avance III HD [300.1 MHz (1H resonance),
282.4 MHz (19F resonance)], Bruker Avance III HD [500.3 MHz (1H resonance), 125.8 MHz (13C resonance)]
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and at 303 K on a Bruker Avance II [400.1 MHz (1H resonance), 101.6 MHz (13C resonance)]. H NMR
spectra were referenced to tetramethylsilane (δ = 0.00 ppm) or the residual proton resonance of the
respective solvent: CDCl3: δ = 7.26 ppm; CD2Cl2: δ = 5.32 ppm; DMSO-d6: δ = 2.50 ppm.51 13C NMR spectra
were referenced to the carbon resonance of the deuterated solvent: CDCl3: δ = 77.16 ppm; CH2Cl2:
δ = 53.84 ppm; DMSO-d6: δ = 39.52 ppm.51 19F NMR spectra were referenced to tetramethylsilane
following the IUPAC recommendations.52 NMR spectra were analyzed using MestReNova software.
Analysis followed first order, and the following abbreviations for multiplets were used: singlet (s), broad
singlet (br), doublet (d), triplet (t), quartet (q), multiplet (m) and combinations thereof i.e. doublet of
doublets (dd). Coupling constants (J) are given in Hertz [Hz]. Electrospray ionization (ESI) and atmospheric
pressure chemical ionization (APCI) mass spectra were recorded with a Thermo Fisher Scientific INC.
Exactive or LCQ Advantage with an orbitrab analyzer. Only the structurally significant and the strongest
fragmentation peaks are reported. UV/Vis absorption spectra were measured on a PerkinElmer LAMBDA
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950 UV/Vis spectrophotometer. Melting points were measured using a MPM-HV2 from Schorpp-
Gerätetechnik. Silica gel layered alumina plates (Merck, Silica Gel 60 F254) were used for TLC, and
compounds were detected using UV light (λ = 366 and 254 nm) and/or with a KMnO4 staining solution
(3.0 g KMnO4, 20 g K2CO3, 5.0 mL 5.0% NaOH, 300 mL H2O). For flash column chromatography, silica gel
(Machery-Nagel 60, 40–63 μm) was used as the stationary phase. Eluents are described in the respective
synthetic procedures.
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Synthesis of 2,7-dimesityl-4b,9b-dihydroindeno[2,1-a]indene-5,10-dione (7). Pd(PPh3)4 (118 mg,
102 µmol), diketone 5 (800 mg, 2.04 mmol) and 2-mesityl-4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolane (6 (for
synthesis see SI), 1.11 g, 4.49 mmol) were dissolved in degassed THF (40 mL) and degassed aq. Na2CO3
(2 M, 40 mL). The resulting suspension was stirred at 80 °C for 10 h. Additional portions of Pd(PPh3)4
(71.0 mg, 61.4 µmol) and 2-mesityl-4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolane (6, 502 mg, 2.04 mmol) were
added, and the reaction mixture was stirred at 80 °C for 15 h. After cooling to rt the reaction mixture was
extracted with CH2Cl2 (3 × 50 mL). The combined organic layers were dried (MgSO4), filtered, and the
solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure. Column chromatography (silica gel, cyclohexane/EtOAc:
8/1 to 5/1) afforded compound 7 (787 mg, 1.67 mmol, 82%) as a white solid. Rf = 0.60
(cyclohexane/EtOAc: 4/1); m.p. 277 °C; 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 7.99 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 2H), 7.54 (d, J =
1.7 Hz, 2H), 7.49 (dd, J = 7.8, 1.7 Hz, 2H), 6.94 (s, 2H), 6.92 (s, 2H), 4.50 (s, 2H), 2.32 (s, 6H), 1.98 (s, 6H),
1.92 (s, 6H); 13C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 201.9, 148.4, 142.6, 137.7, 137.4, 136.0, 135.8, 135.5, 128.4,
+
128.4, 126.7, 125.6, 52.9, 27.1, 21.2, 21.0; HRMS (APCI+): m/z calcd. for C34H31O2 471.2319 [M+H]+, found
471.2318.
5,10-Diethynyl-2,7-dimesityl-4b,5,9b,10-tetrahydroindeno [2,1-a]indene-5,10-diol (4). Commercially
available anhydrous CeCl3 (786 mg, 3.19 mmol) was dried at 130 °C for 4 h in vacuo. After cooling to rt
anhydrous THF (20 mL) was added, and the suspension was stirred overnight in a glovebox. The white
suspension was cooled to −20 °C, and ethynylmagnesium bromide solution (0.5 M in THF, 1.60 mL,
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3.19 mmol) was added. The suspension was stirred at −20 °C for 4 h. Diketone 7 (485 mg, 1.03 mmol) was
added, and the resulting mixture was stirred at −20 °C for 6 h. The reaction mixture was allowed to warm
to rt and stirred for another 18 h. Aq. AcOH (10% v/v, 20 mL) was added, and the aqueous layer was
extracted with Et2O (3 × 40 mL). The combined organic layers were dried (MgSO4), filtered, and the solvent
was removed under reduced pressure. Column chromatography (silica gel, cyclohexane/EtOAc: 10/1 to
4/1) afforded diol 4 (424 mg, 811 µmol, 79%) as a white solid. Rf = 0.45 (cyclohexane/EtOAc: 4/1); m.p.
274 °C (decomposition);1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 7.54 (d, J = 7.7 Hz, 2H), 7.36 (d, J = 1.6 Hz, 2H), 7.17
(dd, J = 7.7, 1.6 Hz, 2H), 6.88 (s, 4H), 4.40 (s, 2H), 2.78 (s, 2H), 2.63 (s, 2H), 2.26 (s, 6H), 1.97 (s, 6H), 1.95
(s, 6H); 13C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 147.7, 142.3, 138.5, 136.8, 136.4, 136.1, 135.7, 131.3, 128.2, 128.1,
125.9, 125.6, 84.9, 75.0, 73.4, 62.0, 21.0, 20.9, 20.8; HRMS (ESI+): m/z calcd. for C38H34O2Na+ 545.2451
[M+Na]+, found 545.2449.
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General procedure A for Sonogashira coupling reactions of 4 with solid iodobenzene derivatives. Diol 4,
Pd(PPh3)Cl2, CuI and the respective iodobenzene derivative were dried under vacuum for 1 h. A degassed
and anhydrous mixture of toluene and NEt3 was added, and the reaction mixture was stirred at rt for the
indicated time. Sat. aq. NH4Cl was added, and the aqueous layer was extracted with Et2O. The combined
organic layers were dried (MgSO4), filtered and the solvent removed under reduced pressure. The residue
was purified by column chromatography to afford the respective product.
General procedure B for Sonogashira coupling reactions of 4 with liquid iodobenzene derivatives. Diol
4 and Pd(PPh3)Cl2 were dried under vacuum for 15 h. CuI and a degassed and anhydrous mixture of
toluene and NEt3 were added, followed by the respective iodobenzene derivative. The mixture was stirred
at rt for the indicated time. Sat. aq. NH4Cl was added, and the aqueous layer was extracted with Et2O. The
combined organic layers were dried (MgSO4), filtered and the solvent removed under reduced pressure.
The residue was purified by column chromatography to afford the respective product.
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General procedure C for Sonogashira coupling and water elimination to DBP derivatives 3. Diol 4,
Pd(PPh3)Cl2, CuI and the respective iodobenzene derivative were dried under vacuum for 1 h. A degassed
and anhydrous mixture of toluene and NEt3 was added, and the mixture was stirred at rt for the indicated
time. Sat. aq. NH4Cl was added, and the aqueous layer was extracted with Et2O. The combined organic
layers were dried (MgSO4), filtered and the solvent removed under reduced pressure. The crude product
was dissolved in anhydrous and degassed toluene and anhydrous p-TsOH was added. The mixture was
stirred for the indicated time in a glovebox. H2O was added, and the aqueous layer was extracted with
CH2Cl2. The combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried (MgSO4), filtered, and the solvent was
removed under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by column chromatography.
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General procedure D for water elimination from diols 8. The respective diol was dissolved in anhydrous
toluene and anhydrous p-TsOH was added. The mixture was stirred for the indicated time. H2O was added
and the aqueous layer was extracted with CH2Cl2. The combined organic layers were washed with brine,
dried (MgSO4), filtered and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. The residue was purified
by flash column chromatography.
5,10-Bis((4-(dimethylamino)phenyl)ethynyl)-2,7-dimesityl-4b,5,9b,10-tetrahydroindeno[2,1-a]indene-
5,10-diol (8a). General procedure A was followed using diol 4 (60.0 mg, 115 µmol), PdCl2(PPh3)2 (3.20 mg,
4.60 µmol), CuI (0.09 mg, 4.60 µmol), 4-iodo-N,N-dimethylaniline (for synthesis see SI, 85.0 mg, 345 µmol),
toluene (4 mL) and NEt3 (4 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred for 15 h at rt. Column chromatography
(silica gel, cyclohexane/EtOAc: 20/1 to 1/1) afforded compound 8a (31.0 mg, 40.7 µmol, 35%) as a beige
1
solid. Rf 0.42 (cyclohexane/EtOAc: 4/1); H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 7.60 (d, J = 7.7 Hz, 2H), 7.44 (d,
J = 1.6 Hz, 2H), 7.33–7.28 (m, 4H), 7.15 (dd, J = 7.7, 1.6 Hz, 2H), 6.88 (s, 4H), 6.58–6.53 (m, 4H), 4.50 (s,
2H), 2.94 (s, 2H), 2.90 (s, 12H), 2.26 (s, 6H), 1.99 (s, 6H), 1.98 (s, 6H).
4,4'-((2,7-Dimesitylindeno[2,1-a]indene-5,10-diyl)bis(ethyne-2,1-diyl))bis(N,N-dimethylaniline) (3a).
General procedure D was followed using diol 8a (38.6 mg, 48.8 µmol), anhydrous p-TsOH (12.1 mg,
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70.3 µmol) and toluene (7 mL). The mixture was stirred at rt for 4 h. Column chromatography (silica gel,
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cyclohexane/CH2Cl2: 3/2 to 0/1) afforded 3a (14.8 mg, 20.4 µmol, 42%) as a dark purple solid. Rf 0.76
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(cyclohexane/CH2Cl2: 1/1); m.p. >350 °C; H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 7.48–7.43 (m, 6H), 6.98 (s, 4H),
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6.95 (d, J = 1.5 Hz, 2H), 6.77 (dd, J = 7.4, 1.5 Hz, 2H), 6.68–6.63 (m, 4H), 3.02 (s, 12H), 2.36 (s, 6H), 2.14 (s,
+
12H); HRMS (APCI+): m/z calcd. for C54H49N2 725.3890 [M+H]+, found 725.3892; UV/Vis
(CH2Cl2): λabs (ε) = 295 (176,024), 365 (24,525), 420 (27,809), 565 (103,669) nm.
2,7-Dimesityl-5,10-bis((4-methoxyphenyl)ethynyl)indeno[2,1-a]indene (3b). General procedure C was
followed using diol 4 (50.0 mg, 96 µmol), 4-iodoanisole (67.0 mg, 287 µmol), PdCl2(PPh3)2 (3.40 mg,
4.80 µmol), CuI (0.90 mg, 4.80 µmol), NEt3 (0.5 mL) and toluene (2.0 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred
for 18 h. After work-up the crude product was dissolved in toluene (7.0 mL), and anhydrous p-TsOH (0.5 M
in toluene, 1.0 mL) was added. The dark red solution was stirred for 3 h. Column chromatography (silica
gel, cyclohexane/EtOAc/NEt3: 100/0/3 to 100/25/3) afforded 3b (32.3 mg, 46.0 µmol, 48%) as a red solid.
Rf 0.51 (cyclohexane/EtOAc: 4/1); 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 7.53–7.49 (m, 4H), 7.44 (d, J = 7.5 Hz, 2H),
6.97 (s, 4H), 6.93 (d, J = 1.5 Hz, 2H), 6.92–6.87 (m, 4H), 6.78 (dd, J = 7.5, 1.5 Hz, 2H), 3.84 (s, 6H), 2.35 (s,
6H), 2.13 (s, 12H); 13C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 160.5, 149.0, 148.7, 141.6, 139.0, 136.8, 136.2, 133.8,
132.0, 128.7, 128.2, 123.2, 122.5, 120.1, 115.0, 114.3, 103.6, 83.7, 55.5, 21.1, 20.8; HRMS (APCI+): m/z
+
calcd. for C52H43O2 699.3258 [M+H]+, found 699.3259; UV/Vis (CH2Cl2): λabs (ε) = 285 (78,630), 377
(18,555), 480 (33,761), 512 (39,546) nm.
2,7-Dimesityl-5,10-bis(phenylethynyl)-4b,5,9b,10-tetrahydroindeno[2,1-a]indene-5,10-diol
(8c).
General procedure A was followed using diol 4 (60.0 mg, 115 µmol), PdCl2(PPh3)2 (8.10 mg, 11.5 µmol),
CuI (2.20 mg, 11.5 µmol), iodobenzene (110 mg, 544 µmol), toluene (5 mL) and NEt3 (1 mL). The mixture
was stirred for 17 h at rt. Column chromatography (silica gel, cyclohexane/EtOAc: 5/1 to 4/1) afforded 8c
(61.6 mg, 91.3 mmol, 79%) as a yellow solid. Rf 0.54 (cyclohexane/EtOAc: 4/1); 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3):
δ = 7.68 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 2H), 7.53–7.49 (m, 6H), 7.35–7.33 (m, 6H), 7.36 (dd, J = 7.6, 1.6 Hz, 2H), 6.95 (s, 4H),
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4.60 (s, 2H), 3.01 (s, 2H), 2.33 (s, 6H), 2.06 (s, 12H); HRMS (APCI+): m/z calcd. for C50H39+ 639.3046 [M+H]+,
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2,7-Dimesityl-5,10-bis(phenylethynyl)indeno[2,1-a]indene (3c). General procedure D was followed using
crude diol 8c (61.6 mg, 91.3 µmol), anhydrous p-TsOH (20.0 mg, 116 µmol) and toluene (10 mL). The
mixture was stirred at rt for 5 h. Recrystallization from MeCN afforded 3c (50.0 mg, 78.3 µmol, 86%) as a
dark red solid. Rf 0.72 (cyclohexane/EtOAc: 5/1); m.p. >350 °C; 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 7.52–7.48
(m, 4H), 7.41 (d, J = 7.4 Hz, 2H), 7.37–7.32 (m, 4H), 7.26 (s, 2H), 6.97 (s, 4H), 6.90 (d, J = 1.4 Hz, 2H), 6.78
(dd, J = 7.4, 1.4 Hz, 2H), 2.34 (s, 6H), 2.12 (s, 12H); 13C NMR (126 MHz, CD2Cl2) δ = 150.2, 149.2, 143.0,
139.1, 137.3, 136.4, 136.0, 133.9, 131.9, 129.7, 129.5, 128.6, 123.9, 123.2, 121.7, 120.3, 102.6, 85.5, 21.3,
21.0; HRMS (APCI+): m/z calcd. for C50H39+ 639.3046 [M+H]+, found 639.3043; UV/Vis (CH2Cl2): λabs (ε) = 284
(70,087), 302 (63,764), 468 (16,213), 498 (18,225) nm.
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5,10-Bis((4-chlorophenyl)ethynyl)-2,7-dimesityl-4b,5,9b,10-tetrahydroindeno[2,1-a]indene-5,10-diol
(8d). General procedure A was followed using diol 4 (93.0 mg, 178 µmol), PdCl2(PPh3)2 (10.0 mg,
14.3 µmol), CuI (4.70 mg, 24.7 µmol), 1-chloro-4-iodobenzene (130 mg, 543 µmol), toluene (10 mL) and
NEt3 (3 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred at rt for 14 h and at 60 °C for 7 h. Column chromatography
(silica gel, cyclohexane/EtOAc: 10/1 to 4/1) afforded 8d (65.9 mg, 88.6 mmol, 50%) as a white solid. Rf 0.70
(cyclohexane/EtOAc: 4/1); m.p. 218 °C (decomposition); 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 7.66 (d, J = 7.7 Hz,
2H), 7.50 (d, J = 1.5 Hz, 2H), 7.45–7.42 (m, 4H), 7.32–7.30 (m, 4H), 7.26 (dd, J = 7.7, 1.5 Hz, 2H), 6.96 (s,
4H), 4.58 (s, 2H), 2.99 (s, 2H), 2.33 (s, 6H), 2.05 (s, 6H), 2.05 (s, 6H); 13C NMR (126 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 148.2,
142.4, 138.6, 137.0, 136.6, 136.4, 135.9, 134.9, 133.2, 131.4, 128.9, 128.4, 128.3, 126.2, 125.8, 121.0,
91.2, 84.4, 75.8, 62.5, 27.1, 21.2, 21.1.
5,10-Bis((4-chlorophenyl)ethynyl)-2,7-dimesitylindeno[2,1-a]indene (3d). General procedure D was
followed using diol 8d (65.9 mg, 88.6 µmol), anhydrous p-TsOH (20.0 mg, 116 µmol) and toluene (10 mL).
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The reaction mixture was stirred at rt for 1 h. Column chromatography (silica gel, cyclohexane/CH2Cl2: 2/1
to 0/1) afforded 3d (48.4 mg, 68.4 µmol, 76%) as a dark red solid. Rf 0.72 (cyclohexane/EtOAc: 5/1); m.p.
>350 °C; 1H NMR (300 MHz, CD2Cl2): δ = 7.62–7.58 (m, 4H), 7.47 (dd, J = 7.5, 0.5 Hz, 2H), 7.41–7.37 (m, 6H),
6.96–6.95 (m, 4H), 6.80 (dd, J = 7.5, 1.5 Hz, 2H), 2.32 (s, 6H), 2.12 (s, 12H); 13C NMR (101 MHz, CD2Cl2):
δ = 150.0, 149.4, 142.8, 139.2, 137.3, 133.9, 132.7, 132.1, 130.0, 129.6, 129.5, 129.2, 128.6, 123.9, 123.2,
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+
120.6, 103.9, 84.7, 21.3, 21.0; HRMS (APCI+): m/z calcd. for C50H37Cl2 707.2267 [M+H]+, found 707.2263;
UV/Vis (CH2Cl2): λabs (ε) = 286 (56,117), 320 (26,720), 470 (25,946), 503 (28,790) nm.
5,10-Bis((3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)ethynyl)-2,7-dimesityl-4b,5,9b,10-tetrahydroindeno[2,1-
a]indene-5,10-diol (8e). General procedure A was followed using diol 4 (50.0 mg, 96.0 µmol), PdCl2(PPh3)2
(5.60 mg, 8.00 µmol), CuI (2.28 mg, 8.00 µmol), 1-iodo-3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzene (130 mg,
384 µmol), toluene (3 mL) and NEt3 (2 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred at rt for 18 h. Column
chromatography (silica gel, cyclohexane/EtOAc: 10/1 to 2/1) afforded 8e (77.2 mg, 81.5 µmol, 85%) as a
colorless solid. Rf 0.48 (cyclohexane/EtOAc: 5/1); 1H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 7.95 (s, 4H), 7.85 (s, 2H),
7.67 (d, J = 7.7 Hz, 2H), 7.50 (d, J = 1.5 Hz, 2H), 7.31 (dd, J = 7.7, 1.5 Hz, 2H), 6.97 (s, 4H), 4.63 (s, 2H), 2.99
(s, 2H), 2.33 (s, 6H), 2.06 (s, 6H), 2.05 (s, 6H); 13C NMR (126 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 147.5, 142.6, 138.2, 137.0,
136.1, 135.7, 132.1 (q, J = 33.8 Hz), 131.7, 128.3, 128.2, 126.1, 125.7, 124.6, 122.9 (q, J = 273.2 Hz), 93.6,
82.4, 75.6, 62.5, 21.0, 20.9, 20.9; 19F NMR (282 MHz, CDCl3): δ = −63.1; HRMS (ESI+): m/z calcd. for
C54H38O2F12Na+ 969.2572 [M+Na]+, found 969.2571.
5,10-Bis((3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)ethynyl)-2,7-dimesitylindeno[2,1-a]indene
(3e).
General
procedure D was followed using crude diol 8e (58.3 mg, 62.0 µmol), anhydrous p-TsOH (23.1 mg,
134 µmol) and toluene (10 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred at rt for 2.5 h. Column chromatography
(silica gel, cyclohexane/CH2Cl2: 25/1 to 5/1) afforded 3e (50.7 mg, 55.7 µmol, 90%) as a red solid. Rf 0.60
(cyclohexane/CH2Cl2: 1/1); m.p. >350 °C; 1H NMR (500 MHz, CD2Cl2): δ = 7.98 (s, 4H), 7.86 (s, 2H), 7.41 (d,
J = 7.4 Hz, 2H), 6.98 (s, 4H), 6.90 (d, J = 1.4 Hz, 2H), 6.84 (dd, J = 7.4, 1.4 Hz, 2H), 2.35 (s, 6H), 2.13 (s, 12H);
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13C NMR (126 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 151.1, 148.5, 142.9, 138.3, 137.1, 135.9, 132.4 (q, J = 34.1 Hz), 131.7, 131.0,
129.3, 128.2, 123.9, 123.4, 123.2, 122.8 (q, J = 273.0 Hz), 119.3, 99.0, 86.7, 21.0, 20.7; 19F NMR (282 MHz,
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CDCl3): δ = −63.1; HRMS (APCI+): m/z calcd. for C54H34F12 910.2474 [M]+, found 910.2474; UV/Vis
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(CH2Cl2): λabs (ε) = 286 (112,007), 338 (61,768), 468 (43,308), 494 (45,733) nm.
4,4'-((2,7-Dimesitylindeno[2,1-a]indene-5,10-diyl)bis(ethyne-2,1-diyl))dibenzonitrile (3f). General
procedure C was followed using diol 4 (82.0 mg, 157 µmol), 4-iodobenzonitrile (180 mg, 784 µmol),
PdCl2(PPh3)2 (8.80 mg, 12.6 µmol), CuI (2.40 mg, 12.6 µmol), NEt3 (0.3 mL) and toluene (7.0 mL). The
reaction mixture was stirred for 2 h. After work-up and filtration through a silica plug the crude product
was dissolved in toluene (5.0 mL) and p-TsOH (34.0 mg, 197 µmol) was added. The dark red solution was
stirred at rt for 3 h. Two consecutive column chromatography steps (silica gel, cyclohexane/EtOAc: 1/0 to
0/1 and cyclohexane/CH2Cl2: 1/2 to 0/1) afforded 3f (54.4 mg, 79.0 µmol, 50%) as a red solid. Rf 0.51
1
(cyclohexane/EtOAc: 4/1); m.p. >350 °C; H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 7.69–7.63 (m, 8H), 7.40 (d, J =
7.4 Hz, 2H), 6.98 (s, 4H), 6.89 (d, J = 1.4 Hz, 2H), 6.80 (dd, J = 7.4, 1.4 Hz, 2H), 2.35 (s, 6H), 2.13 (s, 12H);
13C NMR (126 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 151.0, 148.7, 142.8, 138.5, 137.2, 136.1, 132.6, 132.3, 131.3, 129.3, 128.3,
127.4, 123.5, 123.2, 119.7, 118.4, 112.6, 101.0, 87.9, 21.2, 20.8; HRMS (APCI+): m/z calcd. for C52H40N3
+
706.3217 [M+NH4]+, found 706.3215; UV/Vis (CH2Cl2): λabs (ε) = 292 (71,386), 347 (29,580), 474 (27,434),
506 (28,588) nm.
2,7-Dimesityl-5,10-bis((4-nitrophenyl)ethynyl)-4b,5,9b,10-tetrahydroindeno[2,1-a]indene-5,10-diol
(8g). General procedure A was followed using diol 4 (81.2 mg, 155 µmol), PdCl2(PPh3)2 (9.20 mg,
13.1 µmol), CuI (2.00 mg, 15.8 µmol), 1-iodo-4-nitrobenzene (155 mg, 622 µmol), toluene (12.0 mL) and
NEt3 (3.0 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred at rt for 40 h. Column chromatography (silica gel,
cyclohexane/EtOAc: 8/1) afforded 8g (83.0 mg, 109 µmol, 70%) as a brown solid. Rf 0.51
(cyclohexane/EtOAc: 3/1); m.p. 189 °C (decomposition); 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 8.25–8.21 (m, 4H),
7.69–7.65 (m, 6H), 7.51 (d, J = 1.6 Hz, 2H), 7.31 (dd, J = 7.7, 1.6 Hz, 2H), 6.97 (s, 4H), 4.64 (s, 2H), 3.07 (s,
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2H), 2.34 (s, 6H), 2.06 (s, 12H); 13C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 147.7, 147.5, 142.6, 138.3, 137.0, 136.2,
136.1, 135.7, 132.6, 131.6, 129.2, 128.3, 128.2, 126.1, 125.7, 123.6, 95.2, 83.5, 75.7, 62.3, 21.0, 20.9, 20.9;
HRMS (ESI+): m/z calcd. for C50H40O6N2Na+ 787.2779 [M+Na]+, found 787.2777.
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2,7-Dimesityl-5,10-bis((4-nitrophenyl)ethynyl)indeno[2,1-a]indene (3g). General procedure D was
followed using crude diol 8g (48.4 mg, 62.3 µmol), anhydrous p-TsOH (42.2 mg, 245 µmol) and toluene
(13 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred at rt for 3.5 h. Column chromatography (silica gel,
cyclohexane/CH2Cl2: 1/1 to 0/1) afforded 3g (41.3 mg, 56.7 µmol, 91%) as a red solid. Rf 0.40
(cyclohexane/CH2Cl2: 1/1); 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 8.27–8.22 (m, 4H), 7.73–7.69 (m, 4H), 7.50 (d,
J = 7.4 Hz, 2H), 6.98 (s, 4H), 6.90 (d, J = 1.4 Hz, 2H), 6.82 (dd, J = 7.4, 1.4 Hz, 2H), 2.35 (s, 6H), 2.13 (s, 12H);
+
HRMS (APCI+): m/z calcd. for C50H40O4N3 746.3013 [M+NH4]+, found 746.3008; UV/Vis
(CH2Cl2): λabs (ε) = 300 (42,251), 365 (21,941), 483 (17,505), 512 (17,907) nm.
2,7-Dimesityl-5,10-bis((perfluorophenyl)ethynyl)-4b,5,9b,10-tetrahydroindeno[2,1-a]indene-5,10-diol
(8h). General procedure A was followed using diol 4 (50.0 mg, 96.0 µmol), PdCl2(PPh3)2 (5.60 mg,
8.00 µmol), CuI (2.28 mg, 8.00 µmol), pentafluoroiodobenzene (113 mg, 384 µmol), toluene (3 mL) and
NEt3 (2 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred at rt for 18 h. Column chromatography (silica gel,
cyclohexane/EtOAc: 10/1 to 6/1) afforded 8h (26.7 mg, 31.2 µmol, 33%) as a colorless solid. Rf 0.40
(cyclohexane/EtOAc: 5/1); 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 7.65 (d, J = 7.7 Hz, 2H), 7.50 (d, J = 1.5 Hz, 2H),
7.30 (dd, J = 7.7, 1.5 Hz, 2H), 6.97 (s, 4H), 4.63 (s, 2H), 3.02 (s, 2H), 2.34 (s, 6H), 2.05 (s, 12H); 13C NMR
(126 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 148.6–148.4 (m), 147.2, 146.6–146.4 (m), 142.7, 141.1–140.9 (m), 138.8–138.5 (m),
138.2, 136.9, 136.7–136.5 (m), 136.1, 136.0, 135.8, 131.7, 128.2, 128.2, 126.1, 125.7, 102.6, 75.7, 69.5,
62.3, 21.0, 20.9, 20.8; 19F NMR (282 MHz, THF-d8): δ = −(138.1–138.2) (m), −(154.7–154.8) (m), −(164.0–
164.2) (m); HRMS (APCI+): m/z calcd. for C50H32O2F10Na+ 877.2135 [M+Na]+, found 877.2133.
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2,7-Dimesityl-5,10-bis((perfluorophenyl)ethynyl)indeno[2,1-a]indene (3h). General procedure D was
followed using crude diol 8h (21.2 mg, 25.0 µmol), anhydrous p-TsOH (23.1 mg, 134 µmol) and toluene
(20 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred at rt for 2.5 h. Column chromatography (silica gel,
cyclohexane/CH2Cl2: 8/1 to 0/1) afforded 3h (18.4 mg, 22.4 µmol, 90%) as a red solid. Rf 0.55
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(cyclohexane/CH2Cl2: 4/1); m.p. >350 °C; H NMR (500 MHz, CD2Cl2): δ = 7.41 (d, J = 7.4 Hz, 2H), 6.96 (s,
4H), 6.87 (d, J = 1.4 Hz, 2H), 6.79 (dd, J = 7.4, 1.4 Hz, 2H), 2.34 (s, 6H), 2.12 (s, 12H); 19F NMR (282 MHz,
THF-d8): δ = −(134.6–134.7) (m), −(150.2–150.4) (m), −(160.9–161.1) (m); HRMS (APCI+): m/z calcd. for
C50H28F10 818.2037 [M]+, found 818.2040; UV/Vis (CH2Cl2): λabs (ε) = 284 (44,813), 468 (15,574), 500
+
(16,531) nm.
Electrochemical measurements: Cyclic voltammograms (CVs) were measured inside a glovebox using a
PGSTAT128N by Metrohm Autolab. As working electrode a glassy carbon disc electrode (2 mm diameter)
or a platinum disc electrode (2 mm diameter) were used, as counter electrode a platinum rod and as
reference electrode a Ag/AgNO3-electrode containing a silver wire immersed in an inner chamber filled
with 1 M AgNO3 and 0.1 M n-Bu4NPF6 in anhydrous CH3CN. The analyte solution contained 10 mL of solvent
(anhydrous CH2Cl2) with 0.1 M n-Bu4NPF6 and the specified analyte concentration. The
ferrocene/ferrocenium redox couple was used as internal reference. HOMO and LUMO levels were
calculated using the following equations: ELUMO (eV) = − (Ei,Fc + xRed) (with Ei,Fc = ionization energy of
ferrocene = 4.8 eV46; xRed = onset of the first reduction peak, calibrated vs. Fc/Fc+ in eV), EHOMO (eV)
= − (Ei,Fc + xOx) (with xOx = onset of the first oxidation peak, calibrated vs. Fc/Fc+ in eV).
DFT calculations: TDDFT calculations were performed with the TURBOMOLE v7.0 program package.53 The
resolution-of-identity (RI, RIJDX for SP)54,55 approximation for the Coulomb integrals was used in all DFT
calculations employing matching auxiliary basis set def2-XVP/J.56 Further, the D3 dispersion correction
scheme42,43 with the Becke-Johnson damping function was applied.57–59 The geometries of 3a*–h* were
optimized without symmetry restrictions at the PBE60-D3/def2-SVP61 level followed by harmonic
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vibrational frequency analyses to confirm minima as stationary points. The structures were then re-
optimized using TPSS38-D3/def2-TZVP.44 Vertical excitation energies were calculated using TDDFT using
the TPSSH38,39 and B3LYP40,41 functionals with the def2-TZVP basis set. For TDDFT calculations geometries
were optimized with symmetry restriction within the C2h point group at the functional-D3/def2-TZVP level
of theory. Vertical excitation energies were then calculated using TDDFT at the same level of theory.
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Associated Content
The Supporting Information contains additional synthetic procedures, CVs, NMR spectra, energies and
Cartesian coordinates of calculated structures, results of TDDFT calculations, and X-ray crystallographic
data.
Acknowledgments
Generous support by the German Research Foundation (Emmy Noether grant ES 361/2-1 and grant No.
INST 40/467-1 FUGG) and the state of Baden-Württemberg through bwHPC is gratefully acknowledged.
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