Access to functionalized luminescent multi-2,2':6',2"-terpyridine ligands

A one-pot synthesis of substituted multi-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridines (multi-tpy) has been achieved using an acetylquaterpyridine precursor with various aryl aldehydes in basic media. This strategy enables ready access to functionalized triterpyridines. Utilizing a Suzuki-type cross-coupling, larger structures such as tetra- or even hexa-tpy were obtained from our tritpy precursor. These macromolecular units are ideal building blocks for the construction of transition-metal-based supramolecular assemblies.