Efficient synthesis and reactions of 1,2-dipyrrolylethynes

Hillary K. Tanui, Louisiana State University
Erhong Hao, Anhui Normal University
Moses I. Ihachi, Louisiana State University
Frank R. Fronczek, Louisiana State University
Kevin M. Smith, Louisiana State University
M. Graça H. Vicente, Louisiana State University

Abstract

Various dipyrroles possess important motifs for construction of pyrrole-containing pigments. A series of 1,2-dipyrrolylethynes (4ad) has been efficiently synthesized using an improved one-pot double Sonagashira coupling from trimethylsilylethyne and various 2-iodopyrroles. The resulting 1,2-dipyrrolylethynes were further transformed into novel indolyl-, ethenyl- and carboranyl-dipyrroles (57) using the Larock indole synthesis, stereoselective catalytic hydrogenation, or B10H14. Indolyl-dipyrroles were found to selectively bind fluoride ions using one pyrrolic and the indolyl NHs, whereas the carboranyl- and ethenyl-dipyrroles are potentially valuable precursors for the synthesis of porphyrin isomers and expanded pigments. © 2011 World Scientific Publishing Company.