Synthesis and emission properties of 1,6-methano[10]annulene-3,4- dicarboximides

A mixture of 1,6-methano[10]annulene-3,4-dicarboximide (1e) and 1,6-methano[10]annulene-3,4-dicarboxylic anhydride (3) was obtained through a two-step sequence involving cyanation and subsequent hydrolysis from ethyl 4-bromo-1,6-methano[10]annulene-3-carboxylate (5). Alkylations of 1e provided 1f and 1g, and the nucleophilic substitution of p-fluoronitrobenzene with 1e yielded 1i. Copper-catalyzed arylations of 1e with arylhalides gave 1a and 1h. Reactions of 3 with anilines afforded 1a and 1h. Emission properties of the imides obtained are also reported.