Synthesis of pillar[n]arenes (n = 5 and 6) with deep eutectic solvent choline chloride 2FeCl3?

RSC Advances Pub Date: 2015-01-05 DOI: 10.1039/C4RA15758C

Abstract

A novel and distinct method of preparing pillar[5]arene and pillar[6]arene with high selectivity and efficiency has been achieved by condensation of 1,4-dialkoxybenzene and paraformaldehyde with the choline chloride (ChCl)/ferric chloride (FeCl3) deep eutectic solvent in CH2Cl2 at room temperature. Under the optimal conditions, the yield of pillar[5]arene and pillar[6]arene is 35% and 53%, respectively. The reaction mechanism is investigated by room-temperature X-band Electron Spin Resonance (ESR), indicating that a free radical takes part in this cyclization reaction and acts as an intermediate. Our research is the first report about the application of DESs in supramolecular macrocyclic host synthesis.

Graphical abstract: Synthesis of pillar[n]arenes (n = 5 and 6) with deep eutectic solvent choline chloride 2FeCl3
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