Synthesis of Symmetrically and Unsymmetrically para-Functionalized p-Quaterphenylenes

Oligo-p-phenylenes have proven to be versatile building blocks for the generation of self-assembled nanoaggregates with interesting optical properties via vapor deposition on solid supports. Preliminary studies have shown that both the properties and the morphologies of these aggregates can be influenced by the introduction of functional groups. To this end, we have developed general approaches to the synthesis of symmetrically and unsymmetrically 1,4′′′-substituted p-quaterphenylenes through the application of a reliable Suzuki cross-coupling strategy.