Modular Access to 9,9-Spirobifluorenes by Oxidative Coupling Using Molybdenum Pentachloride

The strong oxidizing agent molybdenum pentachloride was used for an efficient direct C–C bond formation of 9,9-diarylfluorenes to the corresponding 9,9-spirobifluorenes. Thus, a versatile method that is compatible with labile groups, such as iodo moieties, was established. By this approach important building blocks for light emitting polymers were synthesized in high yields.