Synthesis, characterization, and photophysical properties of a new pentacyclic helicene

A new helically chiral pentacyclic compound bearing suitable functional groups has been prepared, in a good overall yield, through a four-step sequence involving mild experimental conditions. The target polyfunctional [5]-helicene showed a good solubility in common solvents and interesting optoelectronic properties. Its photophysical properties have been evaluated using UV-vis absorption and photoluminescence spectroscopies and an emission in the visible region was observed. Highest occupied molecular orbital and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital levels of the chiral organic material have been estimated by cyclic voltammetry, and the electrochemical band gap was found to be 2.7 eV.