Regioselective Transformation of Long π-Conjugated Backbones: From Oligofurans to Oligoarenes

We demonstrate the transformation of oligofurans through sequential Diels–Alder cycloaddition reactions to provide oligoarenes in two chemical steps, regardless of the oligomer length. By this method, oligonaphthalenes containing up to six units were obtained in high yield through the formation of up to 12 new C−C bonds. The versatility of this method was demonstrated for various polyaromatic hydrocarbons. The regioselectivity of this process enabled the synthesis of a library of substituted triarylenes from a single terfuran precursor by modification of the dienophile strength and the order of addition. Overall, this study demonstrates that long oligofurans are interesting not only as organic electronic materials, but also as starting materials for the formation of various conjugated systems.