Groundbreaking technique for synthesizing intricate chemical compounds

The Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy at Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) has made a significant breakthrough in the production of hexaarylbenzene molecules. A team led by Prof. Dr. Svetlana Tsogeva and Prof. Dr. Norbert Jux has developed a process to produce asymmetrical HAB with six different aromatic rings.

Until now, only simple, symmetrical hexaarylbenzene (HAB) molecules could be produced in limited amounts using certain chemical procedures. The new method, however, provides a solution for large-scale production of asymmetrical HAB.

The process involves a four-step domino reaction for the synthesis of asymmetrical HAB. Remarkably, this process does not require the use of metals, making it a cost-effective and environmentally friendly approach.

Controls are carried out throughout the process to monitor which atom groups replace the hydrogen atoms of the benzene. This ensures the production of the desired asymmetrical HAB molecules and avoids unwanted by-products.

The team's findings were published in the prestigious journal Angewandte Chemie, with the DOI 10.1002/anie.202104437. The research also suggests that the newly discovered HAB may be useful for developing innovative liquid crystal materials or for organic electronics.

Asymmetrical HAB may also be useful for organic electronics, a field that has yet to fully explore the potential of this compound. This could lead to the development of new materials for various applications, such as flexible displays, solar cells, and sensors.

The other researchers involved in the development of the new method for producing asymmetrical hexaarylbenzene are not specified in the available information. However, their collaboration has resulted in a significant advancement in the field of organic chemistry.

Hexaarylbenzene molecules are important functional materials due to their unique properties. The ability to produce these molecules in large quantities and with controlled asymmetry opens up new possibilities for their use in various industries.

Until now, asymmetrical HAB had not been extensively researched. The FAU team's work is a stepping stone towards understanding this compound's potential and its role in the development of new materials. The research on asymmetrical HAB is expected to continue, shedding light on its potential applications and furthering the field of organic chemistry.