Retro-Diels-Alder approach to the synthesis of π-expanded azuliporphyrins and their porphyrinoid aromaticity.

Bicyclo[2.2.2]octadiene (BCOD) fused azuliporphyrins were synthesized by 3+1 porphyrin synthesis of azulitripyrranes with diformylpyrroles. Subsequent retro-Diels-Alder reaction of the BCOD-fused azuliporphyrins afforded azulibenzo-, azulidibenzo-, and azulitribenzoporphyrins 1-5. NMR and UV/Vis spectra, as well as nucleus-independent chemical shift (NICS) calculations revealed that 1-5 and their diprotonated dications exhibit relatively low porphyrinoid aromaticity, which was dependent on the position and number of fused benzene rings present.