Synthesis of [2]catenanes by oxidative intramolecular diyne coupling mediated by macrocyclic copper(I) complexes

Abstract

(Chemical Equation Presented) Right said thread: Oxidative intramolecular coupling reactions of α,ω-diynes in the presence of macrocyclic phenanthroline CuI complexes allows the synthesis of [2]catenanes in up to 64% yield (see scheme). The bond-forming reaction leads to concurrent threading of the diyne through the phenanthroline macrocycle. © 2009 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.