Modular Synthesis of Biphen[n]arenes Directed by Five-Membered Heterocycles

Modular synthesis of novel biphen-[n]-arenes (n = 2-4) with customizable heterocycle blocks, functional skeletons, binding sites, and topological structures could be facilely achieved through the rational design and replacement of reaction modules (furan and thiophene), functional modules (substituted benzene, biphenyl, and naphthalene), and linking modules (methylene). These biphen-[n]-arenes were characterized by NMR, HRMS, and X-ray crystalline diffraction, complemented by DFT calculations. Their photophysical properties were thoroughly studied.