Two Discrete RuCp* (Cp*=Pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) Binding Modes of N-Confused Porphyrins: Peripheral π Complex and Sitting Atop Ruthenocenophane Complex by Skeletal Transformation.

Complexation of a RuCp* cation with N-confused tetraarylporphyrins (NCPs) forms directly bound ruthenium(II) pentamethylcyclopentadienyl (Cp*) π-complex on a specific meso-aryl group (e.g., phenyl) neighboring peripheral imino nitrogen of NCPs in high yields. In contrast, in the case of NCPs bearing bulky meso-substituents (e.g., 3,5-di-tert-butylphenyl), new ruthenocenophane-like complex embedded on an N-confused calix[4]phyrin was formed through multiple C-H bond activation of methyl groups of Cp* ligand. The mechanistic insight into the formation of the ruthenocenophane was derived from DFT calculations.

Doubly N-Confused [36]Octaphyrin(1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1): Isomerization, Bis-Metal Coordination, and Topological Chirality.

A novel [36]octaphyrin analogue embedding two N-confused pyrrole units demonstrated unique prototropy-coupled isomerization between the Figure-of-eight and dumbbell conformers. Upon bis-metal coordination, fixation of fully π-conjugated Figure-of-eight structures was achieved as referred from the X-ray crystal structure. Chirogenesis of the helical enantiomers was proved by intense circular dichroism (CD) response in the near infrared (NIR) region.

Rational syntheses of helical π-conjugated oligopyrrins with a bipyrrole linkage: geometry control of bis-copper(II) coordination.

A rational and effective approach for synthesizing linear π-conjugated hexa-, hepta- and octapyrrins through the regioselective oxidative coupling of monoacylated tripyrrane and bilane is described. Depending upon the numbers of pyrrolic units, the geometry and properties of bis-copper(II) complexes could be systematically modulated.