Toward synthesis of a macrocyclic hybrid aromatic pentamer

Abstract

In summary, we have designed and attempted to synthesize a hybrid pentamer with cation-binding ability that might differ from those of other closely related hybrid pentamers containing an interior cavity decorated by different functional groups. The synthetic route of the hybrid pentamer was long and time-consuming, and I have only been able to synthesize an acyclic pentamer that nevertheless can undergo an intramolecular ring-closing reaction to afford the desired circular pentamer for which the cation-binding study will then be carried out. Based on the results obtained, some potential areas for further investigation are proposed. One area is to investigate the ion-binding capacity of the short acyclic oligomers rather than circularly folded petamers. Secondly, the selective recognition of amine and ammonium guests should be studied since the oxygen atom from pyridone group might serve as a good H-bond acceptor and thus might be able to strongly interact with amines and ammoniums of various types.