Design and Synthesis of a C 3 Symmetrical Phenalenyl Derivative with Three Oxo Groups by Regioselective Deoxygenation/Oxygenation.

Tri- tert -butylated 4,7-dihydroxyphenalenone was designed and synthesized from a corresponding 4,9-dimethoxyphenalenone derivative by regioselective deoxygenation/oxygenation. The 4,7-dihydroxyphenalenone derivative showed a chromic behavior accompanied by protonation and deprotonation, giving monocation and dianion species, respectively, and their C 3 symmetric electronic structures were elucidated by experimental and theoretical methods.