Trimesityltriangulene: a persistent derivative of Clar's hydrocarbon

Abstract

Triangulene, known as Clar's hydrocarbon, is a prototypical non-Kekulé diradical comprised of six benzenoid rings fused in a triangular shape. We synthesized and characterized its trimesityl derivative, illustrating that three bulky substituents installed in the centers of the zigzag edges suffice to protect all reactive positions. This work brings prospects to use triangulene and its open-shell analogs in spintronic materials via solution-phase synthesis.