Large carbon helicenes are flexible polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, capable of extension and contraction. An amino-substituted [6.3.1]helicene may act as a molecular actuator, changing length as a function of pH.

The strategy to synthesize the helicene relies on a 1,5-dibromo-3-nitro-2,4-divinyl-benzene monomer. Polymerization of this monomer by Suzuki-Miyaura or Yamamoto conditions will be followed by ring-closing metathesis, and finally, reduction of the nitro-groups to afford the helicene. Synthetic progress will be presented.