Reductive transformations, 20. Synthesis of n‐alkyl‐substituted perylenes and terrylenes via alkali‐metal induced cyclization of oligonaphthylenes

The synthesis of two novel n ‐alkyl‐ or aryl‐substituted perylenes and of an n ‐alkylated terrylene is possible by an alkalimetal induced cyclization of the corresponding bi‐ or trinaphthyls. Differences in reactivity of the naphthylenes in the ringclosure reaction are caused by the different substitution pattern. UV and fluorescence spectra as well as the stability of the resulting rylenes [2] are discussed as a function of substitution.