An efficient controlled synthesis of bent-core oligoarenes and heteroarenes through ring transformation of 2H-pyran-2-ones

A general controlled synthesis of oligoarenes and heteroarenes through base-catalyzed ring transformation of 6-aryl-4-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)-2H-pyran-2-one-3-carbonitriles (1a–d) and methyl 6-aryl-4-methylthio-2H-pyran-2-one-3-carboxylates (1e–h) is described. This procedure offers flexibility in the fabrication of diverse oligoarene ring systems in a controlled fashion.