Synthesis and electronic properties of iso-alkyl substituted hexa-peri-hexabenzocoronenes (HBC’s) from a versatile new HBC synthon, hexakis(4-acetylphenyl)benzene

Simple syntheses of a variety of soluble hexa-peri-hexabenzocoronenes are accomplished using an easily prepared hexakis(4-acetylphenyl)benzene as a common precursor. The concentration-dependent emissions of various HBC’s in solution indicate that they undergo extensive aggregation despite the presence of bulky (peripheral) isoalkyl and tert-butyl groups. The various planar HBC’s undergo reversible electrochemical oxidations and form stable monomeric cation-radical salts in solution.