Synthesis, structure, spectral properties, and electrochemistry of bis(crown ether) containing 1,3-distyrylbenzenes

The reaction of tetraethyl [1,3-phenylenedi(methylene)]bis(phosphonate) with formyl derivatives of benzocrown-ethers or formyl derivatives of o-dimethoxybenzene lead to high yield formation of the respectful bis(crown ether) containing 1,3-distyrylbenzenes or tetramethoxy-substituted 1,3-distyrenebenzenes. NMR spectra and quantum-chemical calculations showed the prevalence of unsymmetrical syn/anti,(syn,anti),syn/anti-conformations in 1,3-distyrylbenzenes. 1,3-Distyrylbenzenes absorb in shorter wavelength spectral region and have a weaker fluorescence than 1,4-distyrylbenzenes. The difficulty in the electrochemical reduction of 1,3-distyrylbenzenes comparing with 1,4-distyrylbenzenes is due to a less effective conjugation system in the metaderivatives.