Synthesis of dehydrobenzoannulenes with pyrene core

Synthesis of dehydrobenzoannulenes (DBAs) with pyrene core from 1,8-diethynylpyrene and 1,3,6,8-tetraethynylpyrene as building blocks is reported. A sequence involving Sonogashira coupling, Corey- Fuchs reaction and oxidative coupling (Eglinton coupling) is used for the synthesis of pyrene-based dehydrobenzoannulenes. Due to the presence of pyrenechromophore these DBAs and their precursors are highly fluorescent and emit in the visible region, due to extended conjugation of the acetylenic units with the pyrene core. © Indian Academy of Sciences.