Redox-induced reversible [2+2] cycloaddition of an etheno-fused diporphyrin

3,5-Ethenoporphyrin is a pi -extended porphyrin containing a fused ethene unit between the meso- and beta -positions, exhibiting unique contribution of macrocyclic antiaromaticity. We have recently reported that its analogue, etheno-fused diporphyrin, underwent thermal [2 + 2] cycloaddition to furnish X-shaped cyclobutane-linked tetraporphyrins. Here we demonstrate that the cyclobutane-ring formation is dynamically redox-active. Namely, the tetraporphyrin underwent two-step four-electron oxidation to afford two etheno-fused diporphyrin dications. The reduction of the resulting dication regenerated the cyclobutane-linked tetraporphyrin. The dication was sufficiently stable to allow its isolation under ambient conditions. The structure of the dication has been confirmed by H-1 NMR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. Importantly, the simultaneous double C-C bond cleavage in the cyclopropane ring in the tetraporphyrin is exceptional among dynamic redox (dyrex) systems to achieve large structural changes, thus offering new insights for the design of novel redox-active functional organic materials for electrochromic dyes, organic batteries, and organic memories.

Automated summary

3,5-Ethenoporphyrin and its analogues, with unique structure on the ethene unit, provide a new approach towards dynamic redox-active materials. The formation of the cyclobutane ring shows significant stability, holding potential applications in the field of organic material design.