Neo‐Fused Hexaphyrin: A Molecular Puzzle Containing an N‐Linked Pentaphyrin

Abstract

Abstract The first neo‐confused hexaphyrin(1.1.1.1.1.0) was synthesized by oxidative ring closure of a hexapyrrane bearing two terminal “confused” pyrroles. The new compound displays a folded conformation with a short interpyrrolic C⋅⋅⋅N distance of 3.102 Å, and thus it readily underwent ring fusion to afford a neo‐fused hexaphyrin with an unprecedented 5,5,5,7‐tetracyclic ring structure. Furthermore, coordination of Cu II triggered a ring opening/contracting reaction to afford a Cu II complex of an N‐linked pentaphyrin derivative. The roles of reactive NC bonds in the porphyrinoid macrocycles were demonstrated.