An Approach to Tetraphenylenes via Pd-Catalyzed C-H Functionalization

Tetraphenylenes not only are theoretically and experimentally interesting but also have potential applications in a variety of fields such as materials science, supramolecular chemistry, and asymmetric catalysis. A facile and efficient approach is reported for the syntheis of tetraphenylene and its derivatives from 2-iodobiphenyls via Pd-catalyzed C-H activation. A range of substituted tetraphenylenes can be synthesized using this method, and the reaction can be performed on gram scale with relatively high efficiency, demonstrating its practical utility. This novel approach provides easy access to tetraphenylenes and should facilitate research on the application of this type of fascinating molecules.