Facile access to monodisperse ultralarge rings

J Am Chem Soc. 2003 May 7;125(18):5408-14. doi: 10.1021/ja034147c.

Abstract

A facile access to monodisperse ultralarge rings counting 126, 174, and 294 ring atoms is described. It follows a reaction sequence that is well suited for the preparation of [2]catenanes but altered just in the sequence of the two steps cyclization and carbonate formation. The carbonate acts as a covalent template that is easily formed and later cleaved. The obtained monocyclic products are constitutional isomers of the catenanes.