Synthesis of [10]- and [12] Annulenes
Dr. Michel Gravel
Professor, Organic Chemistry
University of Saskatchewan
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
3 p.m.
In-person: C2-361 (Reading Room)
Abstract: Annulenes have been the object of great interest for chemists for a long time. Correspondingly, our understanding of the various properties of annulenes – in particular aromatic and anti-aromatic ones – has increased dramatically since their initial discovery in the 19th century. Nevertheless, many questions remain unanswered regarding this class of compounds. Despite major advances in computational modeling, highly conjugated molecules such as annulenes remain challenging to model accurately and their properties need to be studied experimentally. We became intrigued by the possibility of inducing planarity in medium-sized annulenes through the fusion of cyclopropane rings on the periphery of the conjugated ring. Very little is known about planar medium-sized annulenes and the synthesis of such structures is therefore of fundamental interest. Our efforts, successes, and failures in the synthesis of [10]- and [12] annulenes will be presented.