Synthesis of Crown Ether-Linked Discotic Triphenylenes

Novel triphenylene dimers linked by a central crown ether core have been synthesized and characterized. The crown ether is most conveniently formed as a final step to permit purification and isolation of ion-free material, and extension of the protocol permits synthesis of triad structures linked though a 27-crown-9 macrocycle. The latter compounds present a new discotic motif that supports mesophase formation