Dioxastilbenophanes - synthesis and charge transfer complexation studies

Intramolecular McMurry coupling of dialdehydes derived from xylenyl dibromide and 4-hydroxy benzaldehyde afforded cis-stilbenophanes along with cyclophane diols. Stilbenophanes with a large cavity were also synthesized. Charge transfer complexations of the stilbenophanes with TCNE, TCNQ and PQT were studied. Some stilbenophanes form a relatively stronger complex with PQT rather than with TCNE and TCNQ. (C) 2004 Published by Elsevier Ltd.