A direct synthetic approach to novel quadrupolar [14] azolophanes

Abstract A convergent ‘3+1’ synthesis allowed a simple entrance to the first examples of [1 4 ] meta azolophanes 1 and [1 4 ]( meta-ortho ) 2 azolophanes 2 built up from heterocyclic betaine subunits, illustrating a prototype of phanes constructed by both highly π-excessive and highly π-deficient heteroaromatic moieties linked in a 1,3-alternating fashion.