A Convergent Synthetic Approach Using Sterically Demanding Aryldipyrrylmethanes for Tuning the Pocket Sizes of Cofacial Bisporphyrins

Meso substitution opposite to the spacer provides a convenient approach for tuning the pocket sizes of pillared cofacial bisporphyrins. The synthesis and coordination chemistry of xanthene and dibenzofuran anchored platforms structurally modified with 2,6-dimethoxyaryl groups are described. Comparative structural analysis of xanthene derivatives confirms the ability of the trans-aryl groups to adjust the vertical dimension of the cofacial cleft: 7 (C(97)H(106)Cl(4)N(8)O(5)), monoclinic, space group P2(1)/c, a = 28.8353(12) A, b = 17.1139(7) A, c = 17.5978(7) A, beta = 98.826(1) degrees, Z = 4; 8 (C(101)H(123)Cl(2)N(8)O(11.5)Zn(2)), monoclinic, space group P2(1)/n, a = 14.5517(6) A, b = 22.9226(10) A, c = 28.5155(13) A, beta = 90.312(14) degrees, Z = 4; 12 (C(99)H(102)Cl(14)N(8)O(5)Mn(2)), monoclinic, space group P2/c, a = 19.5891(3) A, b = 15.0741(2) A, c = 33.2019(6) A, beta = 91.947(10) degrees, Z = 4. The convenience and versatility of this synthetic method offers intriguing opportunities to specifically tailor the binding pockets of cofacial bisporphyrins for the study of small-molecule activation within a proton-coupled electron transfer framework.