Reactions of macrocyclic rhodium carbenoids: regioselective synthesis of indol-3-yl macrocyclic lactones and cryptands

A wide variety of new macrocyclic diazocarbonyl compounds with various spacers was synthesized. Macrocyclic rhodium(II) carbenoid insertion with various substituted indoles was performed to afford regioselectively, indol-3-yl macrocyclic di- or tetralactones (C3-alkylation). Double carbenoid insertion was also performed to afford indolyl cryptand molecules.

A wide variety of new macrocyclic diazocarbonyl compounds was synthesized and their rhodium(II) acetate catalyzed carbenoid insertion reaction with substituted indoles afforded regioselectively indol-3-yl macrocyclic di- or tetralactones or indolyl cryptand molecules.