Convenient Synthesis of Tetra- and Hexaarylanthracenes by Means of RuH2(CO)(PPh3)3-Catalyzed C-H Arylation of Anthraquinone with Arylboronates

A new method for the synthesis of multiarylanthracenes was developed by means of the RuH2(CO)(PPh3)(3)-Catalyzed arylation of anthraquinone with arylboronates. This method consists of short and straightforward sequences starting with an easily accessible anthraquinone and is applicable to the syntheses of various multiarylanthracenes including those bearing twisted backbones.