Synthesis of a C1-symmetric Box macrocycle and studies towards active-template synthesis of mechanically planar chiral rotaxanes

A C1-symmetric Box macrocycle has been synthesized for the first time. The Box macrocycle along with other C1 and C2-symmetric Box ligands were evaluated and compared as ligands in the Cadiot-Chodkiewicz, oxidative Heck and CuAAC 'click' reactions as part of our studies towards achieving active-metal template synthesis of mechanically planar chiral rotaxanes. This study constitutes the first report of Cadiot-Chodkiewicz and CuAAC 'click' reactions using Box ligands, as well as the first dedicated study of oxidative Heck reactions using Box ligands.