Direct synthesis of polymacrocyclic boron compounds.: A convenient method for the synthesis of hemicarcerands

Six new hemicarcerand-like compounds have been synthesized via condensation reaction of 3-aminophenylboronic acid with 5,5′-methylene-bis(2-hydroxybenzencarbonyl) derivatives. The one-pot reaction constitutes an interesting approach to design molecular containers by direct synthesis in moderate yields. The strategy involves a self-assembly process through the formation of N–B coordinative bonds. The X-ray structural analysis for one derivative illustrates the inclusion of two benzene molecules within the cavity, showing in a first approximation the capability of the polymacrocyclic compounds to function as molecular receptors.

Graphical abstractThe condensation reaction of 3-aminophenylboronic acid with 5,5′-methylene bis(2-hydroxycarbonyl) derivatives constitutes an interesting approach to design hemicarcerand-like compounds by direct synthesis. The strategy involves a self-assembly process through the formation of N–B coordinative bonds and offers a convenient method for the construction of molecular containers in one pot-synthesis.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide