Benzannelated [9] and [13] annulenes: Formation, structural properties and the effect of benzannelation on the aromaticity of the (4n+2) π anionic sy

The synthesis of benzannelated [9] and [13] annulenenes is described, 1,2:3,4-dibenzocyclononatetraene 3 and its diphenyl derivative 10 show upon deprotonation the initial formation of a non-planar partially delocalized anions 4 and 11 respectively, which undergo into the planar aromatic-diatropic dibenzocyclononatetraenyl anions 4a and 12. The immediate formation of the aromatic 1,2:5,6 - dibenzocyclononatetraenyl anion 14 upon deprotonation of 1,2:5,6 - dibenzocyclononatetraene 13 precludes peri H-H repulsions in the aromaticity development of the dibenzocyclononatetraenyl anions. The deprotonation of tetrabenzo[13]annulene 15 afforded anion 17, which shows reduced diatropic character as compared with non-benzannelated[13] annulenyl anion. The spatial arrangement of 17 is discussed.