Tetraethynylethene Molecular Scaffolding

Abstract

Abstract Tetraethynylethene (3,4‐diethynylhex‐3‐ene‐1,5‐diyne, C 10 H 4 ) and its differentially protected derivatives are versatile building blocks for carbon‐rich molecular scaffolding. They have been applied to the preparation of perethynylated dehydroannulenes, expanded radialenes, poly(triacetylenes), organometallic σ‐acetylide species, and donor/acceptor‐functionalized chromophores with interesting nonlinear optical properties. This article gives an account of the synthesis of tetraethynylethene and its derivatives as well as their elaboration into novel linearly or cross‐conjugated chromophores and functional carbon‐rich nanomaterials.