Stereoselective Arene-Forming Aldol Condensation: Synthesis of Configurationally Stable Oligo-1,2-naphthylenes

Structurally well-defined oligomers are fundamental for the functionality of natural molecular systems and key for the design of synthetic counterparts. Herein, we describe a strategy for the efficient synthesis of individual stereoisomers of 1,2-naphthylene oligomers by iterative building block additions and consecutive stereoselective arene-forming aldol condensation reactions. The catalyst-controlled atropoenantioselective and the substrate-controlled atropodiastereoselective aldol condensation reaction provide structurally distinct ter- and quaternaphthalene stereoisomers, which represent configurationally stable analogues of otherwise stereodynamic, helically shaped ortho-phenylenes.