Synthesis of π-Extended Thiele's and Chichibabin's Hydrocarbons and Effect of the π-Congestion on Conformations and Electronic States.

The biradicaloid of Chichibabin's hydrocarbon exits in a unique thermal equilibrium between closed-shell singlet and open-shell triplet forms. Conceptually, the incorporation of nonplanar aromatic groups, such as anthraquinodimethane (AQD), in these species could bring about stabilization of the individual singlet and triplet spin biradicaloids by creating a high energy barrier for conformational interconversion between folded (singlet) and twisted (triplet) forms. Moreover, this alteration could introduce the possibility of controlling spin states through conformational changes induced by chemical and physical processes. Herein, we report the preparation of AQD-containing, π-extended Thiele's (A-TH) and Chichibabin's (A-CH) hydrocarbons, which have highly π-congested structures resulting from the presence of bulky 9-anthryl units. The π-congestion in these substances leads to steric frustration about carbon-carbon double bonds and creates flexible dynamic motion with a moderate activation barrier between folded singlet and twisted triplet states. These constraints make it possible to isolate the twisted triplet state of A-CH. In addition, simple mechanical grinding of the folded singlet of A-CH produces the twisted triplet.

Sterically Frustrated Aromatic Enes with Various Colors Originating from Multiple Folded and Twisted Conformations in Crystal Polymorphs.

Overcrowded ethylenes composed of 10-methyleneanthrone and two bulky aromatic rings contain a twisted carbon-carbon double (C=C) bond as well as a folded anthrone unit. As such, they are unique frustrated aromatic enes (FAEs). Various colored crystals of these FAEs, obtained in different solvents, correspond to multiple metastable conformations of the FAEs with various twist and fold angles of the C=C bond, as well as various dihedral angles of attached aryl units with respect to the C=C bond. The relationships between color and these parameters associated with conformational features around the C=C bond were elucidated in experimental and computational studies. Owing to the fact that they are separated by small energy barriers, the variously colored conformations in the FAE crystal change in response to various external stimuli, such as mechanical grinding, hydrostatic pressure and thermal heating.

Synthesis, properties and chemical modification of a persistent triisopropylsilylethynyl substituted tri(9-anthryl)methyl radical.

In studies aimed at developing new organic spin materials, we prepared a triisopropylsilylethynyl substituted tri(9-anthryl)methyl (TAntM) radical. The TIPS-ethynyl group in this radical effectively suppresses its reactivity, resulting in extremely high stability in air for at least one month. Chemical modification of the radical using [4+2] Diels-Alder reaction proceeds even at room temperature. Because harsh conditions and metal-catalyzed reactions are not required, this post-modification strategy should be highly versatile for use in constructing unique spin-labelled molecules.

Synthesis and Properties of a Highly Congested Tri(9-anthryl)methyl Radical.

The synthesis of persistent, neutral organic radicals is challenging because of their inherent reactivities. Herein, we report the synthesis and characterization of a highly congested mesityl-substituted tri(9-anthryl)methyl (TAntM) radical (1). The scaffold was successfully synthesized by circumventing the steric hindrance imposed by the bulky groups surrounding the central methyl carbon atom. The radical has a threefold propeller structure, and the unpaired electron is mainly localized on the central carbon atom. Owing to its congested structure, 1 is remarkably stable, which facilitated handling under ambient conditions. Evaluation of the dynamic behavior of the TAntM scaffold indicated that the stability is due to the bulky anthryl units and the mesityl substituents. Because of its high persistence, wide-range absorption, and good reversible redox properties, 1 has promising applications in organic devices.