From π-expanded coumarins to π-expanded pentacenes.

The synthesis of two novel types of π-expanded coumarins has been developed. Modified Knoevenagel bis-condensation afforded 3,9-dioxa-perylene-2,8-diones. Subsequent oxidative aromatic coupling or light driven electrocyclization reaction led to dibenzo-1,7-dioxacoronene-2,8-dione. Unparalleled synthetic simplicity, straightforward purification and superb optical properties have the potential to bring these perylene and coronene analogs towards various applications.