3,3′,5,5′-Tetra-tert-butyl-4,4′-diphenoquinone (DPQ)-Air as a New Organic Photocatalytic System: Use in the Oxidative Photocyclization of Stilbenes to Phenacenes

Abstract

We report an organic photocatalytic system, namely 3,3′,5,5′-tetra-tert-butyl-4,4′-diphenoquinone (DPQ) and air, capable of coupling efficiently with the photocyclization of stilbenes to afford phenacenes. The potential of this new and mild process is shown with the synthesis of [5]- and [7]phenacene, two semiconductors recently implemented into organic electronic devices, with high yields and remarkable purity.