Copper(ii) serves as an efficient additive for metal-directed self-assembly of over 20 thiacyclophanes

Abstract

Cu²⁺ salts are presented as an alternative to previously reported pnictogen additives in the self-assembly of 23 different thiacyclophanes. This process allows for further tuning of library equilibrium mixtures: for instance, by altering additive types and concentrations, trimeric macrocycles are amplified. These trimeric disulfides can then be covalently trapped to form 2 novel thioethers, highlighting the facile route to access these new naphthalene-bridged cyclophanes.