The photochemical-induced dimerization of bromine-terminated oligo(ethynylene)s in the solid state is shown to give 1,2-dibromoeneynes on a preparative scale. This single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformation proceeds through a multistep reaction that involves the making and breaking of several bonds in addition to large atom displacements. The reaction represents an atom-efficient and catalyst-free pathway towards functional carbon-rich molecular scaffolds.
- Tobias N. Hoheisel
- Stephen Schrettl
- Holger Frauenrath