Synthetic approaches to an isostructural series of redox-active, metal tris(bipyridine) core dendrimers

Several types of six-armed, metal tris(bipyridine) core dendrimers were synthesized. Bis-4,4'-alkoxy bipyridine dendrons were prepared and employed to make tris(bipyridine) dendrimers. Although the ruthenium-centered and iron-centered dendrimers displayed quasi-reversible cyclic voltammetry, the analogous cobalt-centered complex did not. The synthesis of 4,4'-disubstituted bipyridines containing -CH2OR groups proceeded in low yield. The reactions of the dicarbanion of 4,4'-dimethyl bipyridine prepared with LDA and mesylate, triflate, and bromide groups were found to result in no or poor yields of carbon-carbon bond formation. Use of KDA in place of LDA resulted in much higher yields of dendritic bipyridines.