Synthetic studies toward polytwistane hydrocarbon nanorods

A synthetic strategy toward the intriguing hydrocarbon nanorod polytwistane is outlined. Our approach aims toward the polymerization of acetylene starting from precursors that would provide a helical bias for the formation of polytwistane. Both transition-metal-catalyzed and radical polymerizations were investigated. Two potential initiator molecules were synthesized that could be used for either approach. Although the intended regioselectivities were not observed, unusual organopalladium complexes and numerous compounds with novel carbon skeletons were obtained.