Synthesis of corannulene-based nanographenes

Corannulene (C20H10) is a polycyclic hydrocarbon in which five six-membered rings surround a central five-membered ring to construct a bowl-like aromatic structure. Here we examine the development of synthetic strategies that allow for the growth of the peripheral aromatic rings as a means to extend the aromatic area of the central corannulene nucleus and provide access to unique nanocarbon molecules. The bottom-up synthesis of extended aromatic hydrocarbons can yield curved ‘nanographenes’ with striking properties. Here, the authors review the synthetic advances towards extended corannulenes since 2006, and highlight key challenges facing researchers in the field.