Synthesis, X-ray analysis and photophysical properties of a new N-containing pentacyclic helicene

A new helically chiral pentacyclic system containing one pyrrole ring was prepared in a good yield and purity via a three-step sequence involving Heck coupling and classical oxidative photocyclization. X-ray crystal structure analysis indicated that the conformation resembled that of unsubstituted pentahelicene, the idealized symmetry of which is C2. The optical properties of the pentacyclic helicene were investigated and show interesting behaviour.