Synthesis ofp-Phenylene Sulfide Molecular Asterisks

Abstract

"Megastars" with aromatic central cores, some of which fluoresce, were synthesized by the efficient connection of the side arms to the core by using the MacNicol reaction. Depending on the length of the side arm precursor, second-, third- (depicted), or fourth-generation molecular asterisks were obtained; a twelve-armed molecular asterisk was prepared when the benzene core was replaced by a coronene one.