Different synthetic routes towards efficient organogelators: 2,3-substituted anthracenes

Abstract

Three synthetic approaches towards 2,3-substituted anthracenes are reported and discussed in terms of selectivity and viability. This allowed us to introduce a variety of substituents as sidearms. Promising results have been found using a tandem Diels-Alder aromatization reaction using 2,2,3-dimethoxybuladiene 9 as a key intermediate. However, for multigram preparations the Friedel-Crafts approach is preferred.