Computation-guided improved one-pot synthesis of macrocyclic cation-binding aromatic pyridone pentamers

Abstract

By using polar DMF to relax the H-bonded rigid backbone and to lower the energetic penalty associated with the sterically-crowded environment, the yields for BOP-mediated one-pot synthesis of pentameric macrocycles can be improved from 10–25% as obtained in CH₂Cl₂ to 13–47% when 15% DMF in CH₂Cl₂ was used as the reaction medium.