Selective Oxidation of Belt[4]arene[4]tropilidene and Its Application to Construct Hydrocarbon Belts of Truncated Cone Structure with Expand Cavity.

Despite their unique structures, tantalizing properties, and potential applications in carbon nanoscience and technology, the synthesis and functionalization of zigzag hydrocarbon nanobelts have remained largely unexplored until recently. Reported herein is the selective transformations of belt[4]arene[4]tropilidenes and their application in the construction of novel belts. The oxidation of belt[4]arene[4]tropilidene with benzeneseleninic anhydride under controlled conditions selectively afforded mono- to tetrakis(α-diketone)-functionalized belt intermediates. A subsequent condensation reaction with 1,2-phenylenediacetonitrile and 1,2-phenylenediamine produced a diversity of unprecedented belts with various macrocyclic cavities.