Synthesis, solid-state photophysical properties and electropolymerization of novel diazulenyl ethenes

The novel 1,2-di(azulen-1-yl)cyclopent-1-ene 3 was conveniently synthesized via a two-step procedure involving Vilsmeier-Haack acylation of azulene with N,N,N′,N′-tetraethylglutaramide (TEGA) and POCl3, followed by an intramolecular McMurry coupling of the resulting diketone. In contrast with the previously reported (E)-1,2-di(azulen-1-yl)ethene that shows negligible fluorescence in the solid state, alkene 3 displays fluorescence emission from the S2 excited state of the azulene moieties. This compound easily polymerizes upon electrochemical oxidation, leading to the formation of a conducting polymer film at the electrode surface.