Synthesis of novel π-systems containing two pyrene units

Abstract

The research described in this thesis deals with the synthesis of designed π-systems that contain two pyrene units. In Chapter 1 a brief overview of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons will be described. In Chapter 2 the synthesis and characterization of BINOL-­‐like compounds, in which the naphthalene moieties are replaced with pyrenes, is described. Some properties of these compounds are also described. Over the past several years, the Bodwell group has been involved in the design, synthesis and characterization of pyrene-­‐containing systems, most notably, a series of pyrenophanes. However, all of the pyrenophane examples reported by the Bodwell group have contained only a single pyrene unit. In Chapter 3, the attempted synthesis of a pyrenophane with two pyrene units is described and conclusions presented.