Helquats: A Facile, Modular, Scalable Route to Novel Helical Dications

Abstract

As easy as one, two, three: Relying on a facile [2+2+2]-cycloisomerization strategy, we have developed a robust three-step synthetic entry into a novel family of helical extended diquats (helquats). The key metal-catalyzed step proceeds in water under aerobic conditions to produce a water-soluble, blue fluorophore (picture; TfO=triflate). The electrochemical manifold of the parent helquat features two reversible one-electron reduction steps. Detailed facts of importance to specialist readers are published as ”Supporting Information”. Such documents are peer-reviewed, but not copy-edited or typeset. They are made available as submitted by the authors. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.