Graphene-like molecules with a zigzag periphery are synthetically challenging. Now, a programmable zigzag π-extension strategy to rapidly assemble graphene-like molecules is reported based on rhodium-catalysed sequential C2–H and C8–H activation-annulation of naphthalene ketones, using acetylenedicarboxylates as the C2 insertion unit.
- Jiangliang Yin
- Jian Li
- Jingsong You