Convenient synthesis of Dibenzo[a, h]anthracenes and picenes via C-H arylation of acetophenones with arenediboronates

A new convenient method for the synthesis of dibenzo-[a, h]anthracenes and picenes using ruthenium-catalyzed regioselective C-H arylation of aromatic ketones has been developed. Acetophenone derivatives and 1, 4-benzenediboronates were coupled in 2:1 ratios to form p-terphenyl derivatives. Conversion of the acetyl group to an ethynyl group, followed by cycloaromatization provided the desired fused aromatic compounds. An organic field-effect transistor fabricated from one of these products gave moderate hole mobility.