C3-symmetrical tribenzotriquinacene derivatives: optical resolution through cryptophane synthesis and supramolecular self-assembly into nanotubes.

Based on a regioselective tris-formylation of a tribenzotriquinacene (TBTQ) hydrocarbon, the racemic C(3)-symmetrical TBTQ-trialdehyde and the corresponding TBTQ-trimethanol were synthesized along with their C(1)-isomers. Conversion of the C(3)-trialdehyde to three diastereomeric TBTQ-based cryptophanes occurring in high yield enabled the preparation of the optically pure C(3)-symmetrical TBTQ-trialdehydes and the determination of their absolute configuration. The racemic C(3)-symmetrical TBTQ-trimethanol was found to form several stable nanotubular aggregates in the solid state.

Tribenzotriquinacenes based on regioselective bis-formylation: optical resolution and absolute configuration of inherently chiral derivatives and synthesis of the first cyclophane-type tribenzotriquinacene dimers.

Enantiomerically pure tribenzotriquinacenes (TBTQs) bearing two monofunctionalized aromatic nuclei were synthesized for the first time and their optical properties and absolute configuration determined. A remarkably regioselective bis-formylation of the fully bridgehead methylated parent TBTQ hydrocarbon with MeOCHCl(2)/TiCl(4) afforded a mixture of two C(s)-symmetrical (achiral) difunctionalized derivatives together with one C(1)-symmetrical (chiral) isomer. Reduction and subsequent column chromatography furnished the three respective benzylic TBTQ dialcohols.

Synthesis and optical resolution of inherently chiral difunctionalized tribenzotriquinacenes.

The synthesis of several inherently chiral tribenzotriquinacenes (TBTQs) bearing one single mono- or difunctionalized aromatic nucleus and the optical resolution of one of these derivatives, a TBTQ-based salicylic acid (11), are described for the first time. Efficient access to enantiopure, inherently chiral tribenzotriquinacenes may lay a foundation for studies of novel container compounds, supramolecular aggregation, chiral recognition, and asymmetric catalysis.