[15]Paracyclophane and [16]paracyclophane: facile syntheses, crystal structures and selective complexation with cesium cations in the gas phase

Abstract

Herein, we report the facile syntheses of [1₅]paracyclophane ([1₅]PCP, 1) and [1₆]paracyclophane ([1₆]PCP, 2) by hydrodeoxygenation of pillar[5]arene and pillar[6]arene via aryl fluorosulfate intermediates. The structures of [1₅]PCP and [1₆]PCP were confirmed by single crystal X-ray analysis for the first time. Moreover, their selective complexation with cesium cations in the gas phase was investigated by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and confirmed by DFT calculations.