[5]Helicene, also known as pentahelicene, is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon built from five benzene rings fused in an ortho arrangement, producing a coiled, screw-like structure. The helical shape arises from steric repulsion between the terminal rings, which crowd one another and force the molecule out of a flat plane. As a result, the compound is a classic example of helical chirality — chirality that emerges from the overall shape of the molecule rather than from a stereogenic carbon atom — which makes it a highly interesting material in molecular materials research.
The property that makes pentahelicene a preferred choice is the combination of an extended conjugated pi-electron system with a curved three-dimensional geometry. That combination gives rise to chiroptical responses and electronic behaviour that are not found in flat aromatic hydrocarbons such as anthracene or pyrene. It should also be noted that smaller helicenes have a lower racemisation barrier than the longer members of the series, so their configurational stability differs; rather than being a drawback, this makes the compound an appealing subject for studies of conformational dynamics and for the design of chiral molecules.
In Indonesian laboratories, [5]Helicene is typically encountered in university and institutional research settings working on organic synthesis, molecular materials, and structural chemistry. It is generally handled in small quantities as a building block or reference structure within a larger synthetic programme, where the helical framework is studied directly or elaborated into more complex targets. Work of this kind is usually carried out on a research bench scale rather than in routine analytical or production workflows.
- Chiroptical property studies — the helical framework produces optical responses tied to molecular shape rather than a stereocentre, making it a direct subject for circular dichroism and related polarimetric investigation.
- Non-heterocyclic building block in organic synthesis — the fused all-carbon aromatic core serves as a starting scaffold that can be elaborated into larger polycyclic targets without introducing heteroatom reactivity.
- Molecular materials research — the extended conjugated pi system combined with a curved geometry makes it a model compound for exploring electronic behaviour unavailable in planar aromatics.
- Conformational dynamics and racemisation studies — the comparatively lower racemisation barrier of the shorter helicene series makes this compound a practical model for examining configurational stability experimentally.
- Reference structure in structural chemistry teaching and characterisation — its well-defined helical geometry provides a clear illustrative example of shape-derived chirality for spectroscopic and crystallographic comparison.
| Brand | TCI |
|---|---|
| CAS number | 188-52-3 |
| Molecular formula | — |
| Purity | — |
| Category | Chemistry > Building Blocks > Non-Heterocyclic Building Blocks |
| Pack sizes | available in TCI research-scale packaging; please confirm the currently offered size when ordering |
| Physical form | — |
| Storage | keep in the closed original container under the conditions stated on the manufacturer's label and safety data sheet |
- Product code: H1892
- Chemical name: [5]Helicene (pentahelicene)
Store the material in its original tightly closed container, kept in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heat, ignition sources, and direct sunlight. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are generally sensitive to prolonged light exposure, so amber or otherwise light-protected glass containers are appropriate for any transferred portions, with clear labelling of contents and transfer date. Handle the solid in a fume hood using gloves, safety glasses, and a laboratory coat, and avoid generating or inhaling dust during weighing. Always consult the manufacturer's safety data sheet before use, and dispose of residues and contaminated consumables through the laboratory's chemical waste stream rather than ordinary waste.
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