Synthesis of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) via a Transient Directing Group

Abstract

In this work, an efficient synthetic route was developed to construct PAHs with diverse shape, width, and edge topology. The precursors of PAHs were obtained by using a direct arylation of arenes via a transient ligand-directed C-H functionalization strategy and the cycloaromatization was readily achieved by using a Brønsted acid catalyst. This novel route provides an opportunity to build up PAHs in a highly efficient manner.