Synthesis and Characterization of Geminally Dialkylsubstituted Tetraindanotetraoxa[8]circulenes

A synthetic methodology for the synthesis of 2,2-dialkyl-4,7-dimethoxy-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-ones from 4,7-dimethoxy-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-one has been developed, and some of these compounds were converted into the corresponding geminally dialkylsubstituted tetraindanotetraoxa[8]circulenes with the expectation of obtaining discotic liquid crystalline materials.