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A Doubly Twisted Molecular Nanocarbon With Substantial π-Overlap: Facile Synthesis, Chiral Resolution, and Through-Space Electronic Coupling

  • Jiawei Shao
  • , Ci Hui Lin
  • , Yuguang Sui
  • , Meng Wang
  • , Wei Fan
  • , Yong Ni*
  • *Corresponding author for this work
  • Southern University of Science and Technology
  • Beijing Institute of Technology

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Twisted molecular nanocarbons (TMNCs) represent attractive targets due to their persistent chirality and potential through-space electronic interactions, which remain largely unrevealed. Herein we report an efficient synthesis of a figure-eight TMNC 1 with substantial π-overlap, by using a quantitative, four-fold regioselective Scholl reaction. The (P,P)- and (M,M)- enantiomers can be readily separated by preparative TLC plate, enabling persistent chiroptical properties with moderate dissymmetric factors (|gabs| = 3.5 × 10−3 and |glum| = 8.1 × 10−3). Crystallographic analysis reveals a compressed lemniscular scaffold of TMNC 1 with close intramolecular π–π contacts (2.887–3.386 Å). Racemic crystals pack via C–H···π interactions, whereas enantiopure (M,M)-1 form tightly stacked π-dimers. Notably, the dication 12+ exhibits pronounced spin polarization and through-space electronic interactions between the overlapped pyrene units, manifesting characteristic spatial aromaticity. This work establishes a versatile platform for exploring through-space electronic communication in topological nanocarbons.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere5579143
JournalAngewandte Chemie - International Edition
Volume65
Issue number32
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 3 Aug 2026
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • regio-selective Scholl reaction
  • spatial aromaticity
  • spin polarization
  • through-space electronic coupling
  • twisted molecular nanocarbon

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