A Modular and Size-Selective Synthesis of [n]Cycloparaphenylenes: A Step toward the Selective Synthesis of [n,n] Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

摘要

For nearly one century, cycloparaphenylene (CPP), a simple string of benzene rings, has captivated scientists for many reasons. Adding to their sheer aesthetic appeal and unique curved conjugation, CPPs represent the shortest sidewall segment of armchair carbon nanotube structures (Scheme 1). After extensive trials by numerous chemists, the groups led by Bertozzi, Itami, and Yamago have finally accomplished the bottom-up organic synthesis of some [n]CPPs (n = 8, 9, 12, 18). Although several possible routes toward CPP structures have been identified in these studies, a uniform strategy allowing the flexible and size-selective synthesis of a range of [n]CPPs has yet to be developed.