Insertion reactions of macrocyclic rhodium carbenoids: a novel method for the synthesis of cryptands

Reaction of macrocyclic diazocarbonyl compounds and alcohols or diols in the presence of rhodium(II) acetate catalyst led to functionalized macrocyclic di- or tetralactones via O-H insertion. Interestingly, the double O-H insertion reaction with dihydroxy compounds gave cryptands of various ring sizes.

Reaction of macrocyclic diazocarbonyl compounds with alcohols or diols in the presence of rhodium(II) acetate catalyst led to functionalized macrocyclic di- or tetralactones via O-H insertion. Interestingly, the double O-H insertion reaction with dihydroxy compounds gave cryptands of various ring sizes.