Synthesis of Macrocycles with Anthracene Units and Amide Bonds; Potential Building Blocks for 1D and 2D Constructions

A collection of novel m-terphenyl and mixed m-terphenyl-anthracene building blocks were synthesised on scales between several 100 mg and a few grams. Proper connection of some of these building blocks utilising amide coupling chemistry afforded macrocycles containing two and three anthracene units. These macrocycles were obtained as virtually pure compounds on 14 and 24 mg scales, respectively. Their UV/Vis and fluorescence spectra are reminiscent of the parent anthracene, which renders them potential candidates for various applications including sensing and molecular constructions.