Radially Oriented [n]Cyclo-meta-phenylenes.

Molecular compounds with zigzag carbon nanotube geometries are exceedingly rare. Here we report the synthesis and characterization of carbon-based nanotubes with zigzag geometry, best described as radially oriented [n]cyclo-meta-phenylenes, extending the tubularene family of compounds. By the incorporation of edge-sharing benzene rings into the tubularene's radial π-surface, we have uncovered the first step to give rise to the emergence of radial orbital distribution in zigzag nanorings.