Synthesis of A2B-type 22-oxacorroles bearing two different five-membered heterocycles at meso positions

A series of 22-oxacorroles containing mixed substituents such as either two five-membered heterocycles and one six-membered aryl group or three five-membered heterocycles at three meso positions were synthesized by 3 + 2 oxidative coupling of appropriate 16-oxatripyrrane and meso-substituted dipyrromethane under mild acid catalyzed conditions. The identities of the 22-oxacorroles were confirmed by the respective molecular ion peaks in HR-MS spectra and the structures were deduced by detailed 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy. NMR studies clearly showed upfield or downfield shifts of core pyrrole and furan protons and inner NH protons depending on the type of substituent present at the meso positions. All 22-oxacorroles absorb in the 410–655 nm region, and the position of the absorption bands depends on the type of meso substituents. The A2B oxacorroles showed one broad and weak fluorescence band in the 600–700 nm region with low fluorescence quantum yields in the 0.05–0.12 range. Electrochemical studies revealed that the A2B-type 22-oxacorroles are easier to oxidize and also easier to reduce than triphenyl 22-oxacorroles. Thus, the electronic properties of 22-oxacorroles were significantly altered when six-membered aryl groups were replaced with five-membered heterocycles as reflected in spectral and electrochemical measurements.