Synthesis of 1,3,5-Tris(2-thienyl) Benzene Using CuCl2 as Catalyst, a Compound Precursor of Nano–size Cage-like Structures

In the previous investigations, the synthesis of 1,3,5-triarylbenzene with different catalysts is reported. In this work, 2-acetyl thiophene and anhydrous copper(II) chloride as catalyst are used to make 1,3,5-tris(2-thienyl)benzene. Copper(II) chloride is a very suitable catalyst and comparing to the other ones is cheaper, abundant and very facile to use in this trimerization synthesis. In fact, CuCl2 acts as a good Lewis acid, because Cu2+ has empty p and d orbitals. On the other hand, this catalyst is a good electron transfer oxidative reagent, therefore very useful for self-condensation of ketones. This method seems to be general for synthesis of other 1,3,5-derivatives of benzene using various ketone derivatives. This trigonal molecule, may be converted to a flexible clathrate or nano cage molecule , which is highly promising for the separation and chemical transformation. In addition, this trigonal molecule which is a good donor, can make complexes with the trigonal acceptors such as 1,3,5-trinitrobenzene.