A Modular Synthesis of Multidentate S-, N- and O-Containing Meta- and Paracyclophanes

© 2015 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH andCo. KGaA, Weinheim. The development of a modular approach to macrocycle assembly has enabled the synthesis of a library of pyridine-based macrocycles possessing multiple donor sites where chirality was readily introduced from (R)- or (S)-alanine, a representative amino acid. The facile, regioselective, nucleophilic ring opening of aziridines by dithiols enabled the synthesis of thioether-based linkers which on subsequent alkylation provided access to optically pure macrocycles. A modular approach to macrocyclic assembly has enabled the synthesis of a library of macrocycles possessing multiple donor sites where chirality was readily introduced from (S)-alanine. Key to this approach was the facile, regioselective, nucleophilic ring opening of aziridines by dithiols followed by macrocylisation under conditions of high dilution.