Amplification of Dissymmetry Factors in π-Extended [7]- and [9]Helicenes

International audience; $\pi$-Extended helicenes constitute an important class of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with intrinsic chirality. Herein, we report the syntheses of $\pi$extended [7]helicene $4$ and $\pi$-extended [9]helicene $6$ through regioselective cyclodehydrogenation in high yields, where a "prefusion" strategy plays a key role in preventing undesirable aryl rearrangements. The unique helical structures are unambiguously confirmed by X-ray crystal structure analysis. Compared to the parent pristine [7]helicene and [9]helicene, these novel $\pi$-extended helicenes display significantly improved photophysical properties, with a quantum yield of 0.41 for $6$. After optical res…