Macrocyclic ligands direct syntheses

The template synthesis has also been successfully employed for the preparation of macrocycles containing mixed donor atoms. Examples which refer to tetra- and bexa-dentate ligands are given in Schemes 42, 47 and 50.2649,2653 2654,2658 Apart from the template synthesis a number of nickel macrocycles have been prepared by direct combination of the appropriate nickel(II) salt with the preformed macrocyclic ligand in alcoholic medium, often MeOH (see also Tables 103, 106-108). 

A typical example is seen in the addition of hydrogen cyanide to an imine to yield a cyanoamine (Fig. 4-29). Many of these reactions have been used to best advantage in the synthesis of macrocyclic ligands and complexes, and as such are considered in Chapter 6. A simple example of such a reaction is seen in the addition of HCN to the cobalt(m) complex indicated in Fig. 4-30. The starting complex is also readily prepared by a metal-directed reaction. 

Condensation reactions between carbonyl compounds and primary amines have played a central role in the synthesis of new macrocyclic ligands [28-34]. Usually, though not in all cases, such reactions are conducted in the presence of metal ions which can serve to direct the condensation preferentially to cyclic rather than oligomeric/polymeric products and to stabilize the macrocycle once formed. The relative atomic radius of the templating ion has a considerable effect on the size of the macrocycle formed. For instance, in what is now classic work, cations such as Mg(Il) (r = 0.72 A) were found to stabilize the formation of macrocycles such as 60 from 1 1 condensations [35], while larger cations such as Sr(II)... 

The first structurally characterized expanded porphyrin system to be reported in the literature was the so-called superphthalocyanine ligand [112]. This compound, which represents the first example of a well-characterized pentaligated complex prepared from any aromatic pentadentate macrocycle ligand, was obtained as an outgrowth of early efforts to prepare uranyl phthalocyanine and not as the product of a directed step-by-step synthesis. As such, the early literature associated with this species remains somewhat clouded and incomplete. 

The kinetics and mechanism of synthesis and decomposition of macrocyclic compounds are regarded as one of the most important aspects in the chemistry of these compounds. The majority of papers concern metal ions complexing with preliminarily synthesized macrocyclic ligands and metal ion substitutions by other metal ions in the preliminarily prepared complexes. Template synthesis, the most promising approach to the directed preparation of macrocyclic compounds with desired structures [17], plays a still more decisive role in the chemistry of macrobicyclic complexes with encapsulated metal ion. However, the literature contains only scarce data on the kinetics and the mechanism of the template synthesis of macrocyclic compounds because of the difficulties encountered in experimental determinations of kinetic and thermodynamic parameters, such as low product yields, nonaqueous media, high temperatures, and side reactions. 

Anionic copper(II)phthalocyanine monosulphonate (CuPcMs) and copper(II) phthalocyanine tetrasulphonate (CuPcTs) complexes have been successfully intercalated into the intergallery of Mg-Al layered double hydroxides through direct synthesis method. XRD results indicated an inclined orientation of the anion in the interlamellar space. A better thermal stability was noticed for the macrocycle ligand upon intercalation. The visible spectra showed a hyspochromic shift upon intercalation indicating disturbance of the macrocycle ligand pltmarity. An enhanced activity for the selective oxidation of cyclohexanol to cyclohexanone was observed for the intercalated complex in comparison with neat complex. 

The use of metals for prearranging reaction centers as neighboring groups has a special value in the production of macrocycles (template effect). Although these ligands can be sometimes prepared directly, the addition of metal ion during the synthesis will often increase the yield, modify the stereochemical nature of the product, or even be essential in the buildup of the macrocycle. There have been few mechanistic studies of these processes. The alkali and alkaline-earth metal ions can promote the formation of benzo[18]crown-6 in methanol ... 

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