[2.2]Paracyclophane/Dehydrobenzoannulene Hybrids: Transannular Delocalization in Open-Circuited Conjugated Macrocycles

Enhanced global delocalization throughout the "stepped" π-electron systems of the [2.2]paracyclophane/dehydrobenzoannulene (PC/DBA) hybrids 1 and 2 is strongly suggested by a comparison of their electronic absorption spectra with those of model compounds with complete and interrupted classical aromatic delocalization. A distinct bathochromic shift (for 1) and greater absorption intensity at higher wavelengths (for 1 and 2) is observed versus the corresponding model hydrocarbons.