In essentially one-pot, using Ir- and Pd-catalysis, tris(arene)-functionalized cationic [4]helicenes are synthesized with full regioselectivity and enantiospecificity starting from a trivial precursor (17 examples). This poly-addition of aryl groups improves key optical properties, that is, fluorescence quantum yields and lifetimes. Electronic circular dichroism and circularly polarized luminescence signatures are observed up to the far-red domain, in particular with additional arenes prone to aggregation.
Keywords: Ir-catalyzed borylation •late stage functionalization; cationic helicenes; chiroptical spectroscopy; dyes and fluorophores.
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