Synthesis and self-association properties of functionalized C3-symmetric hexakis(p-substituted-phenylethynyl)triindoles

A number of differently substituted phenylethynyl triindoles has been synthesized by 6-fold Sonogashira coupling in a key step. This new series of hexaalkynyl triindoles self-associate through arene-arene interactions in solution. The electronic communication of the external substituents with the central electron-rich triindole core has been demonstrated by means of cyclic voltammetry and optical absorption. A study of the effect of the electronic character of peripheral substituents on their self-association behavior is presented in an effort to shed light on the nature of the pi-stacking interactions.