Synthesis and X‐Ray Analysis of a New [6]Helicene

Abstract

A new disubstituted hexahelicene derivative 3 bearing methoxy functions at positions 3 and 14 has been prepared in racemic form through a Heck reaction followed by photocyclodehydrogenation. Suitable crystals of rac‐3 were analyzed by X‐ray crystallography and showed similar geometry to the structure of hexahelicene itself. Deprotection of 3 using boron tribromide led to 3,14‐dihydroxyhexahelicene 4 in quantitative yield. The complexation of transition metal atoms seemed to be quite possible by these two bidentate hexahelicene derivatives.

Keywords:

• Heck reaction
• hexahelicene
• photocyclodehydrogenation
• substituted positions