Nitrogen-embedded buckybowl and its assembly with C(60)

Curved π-conjugated molecules have attracted considerable interest because of the unique properties originating from their curved π surface. However, the synthesis of such distorted molecules requires harsh conditions, which hamper easy access to heteroatom-containing curved π systems. Here we report the synthesis of a π-extended azacorannulene with nitrogen in its centre. The oxidation of 9-aminophenanthrene provides tetrabenzocarbazole, which is converted to the azabuckybowl through palladium-catalysed intramolecular coupling. The electron-donating nature and curved π surface of the azabuckybowl enable its tight association with C(60) in solution and solid states. High charge mobility is observed for the azabuckybowl/C(60) assembly. This compound may be of interest in the fields of curved π systems as fullerene hosts, anisotropic π donors and precursors to nitrogen-containing nanocarbon materials.