Diels-Alder Additions to 2,2’-Biaceanthrylene

A series of Diels-Alder reactions between the diene 2,2'-biaceanthrylene and several dienophiles is presented. The diene is a cyclopenta-fused polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon with anthracene units linked by two cyclopentene rings. Depending on the dienophile, the major product was the result of a single addition (dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate) or double addition (quinone, benzyne) to the diene. Single crystal X-ray analysis of the quinone-derivative shows a propeller-like structure composed of mixed enantiomers. The synthesis and photophysical properties of these compounds are presented.