Substituted Tetraethynylethylene–Tetravinylethylene Hybrids

A general synthetic approach to molecular structures that are hybrids of tetraethynylethylene (TEE) and tetravinylethylene (TVE) is reported. The synthesis permits the controlled preparation of many previously inaccessible structures, including examples with different substituents on each of the four branching arms. Most substituted TVE–TEE hybrids are found to be significantly more robust compounds than their unsubstituted counterparts, enhancing the prospects of their deployment in conducting materials and devices. Their participation in pericyclic reaction cascades, leading to sp3-rich polycycles, is demonstrated. The utilization of TEE–TVE hybrids as building blocks for larger acyclic, through/cross-conjugated hydrocarbon frameworks is also established. Aryl-substituted TEEs, TVEs, and their hybrids are fluorescent, with some exhibiting aggregation-induced emission enhancement. The structural requirements are defined and explained, setting the scene for applications as fluorescent probes and organic light-emitting diodes.