Synlett 2025; 36(18): 3095-3100
DOI: 10.1055/a-2627-8429
Letter

Toward Strained Pillar[4]arene Derivatives

Autoren

  • Ke Liu

    1   Department of Chemistry, Stoddart Institute of Molecular Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China (Ringgold ID: RIN12377)
    2   Department of Chemistry, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorous and Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China (Ringgold ID: RIN12442)
  • Zhe Liu

    1   Department of Chemistry, Stoddart Institute of Molecular Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China (Ringgold ID: RIN12377)
  • Xue Chen

    1   Department of Chemistry, Stoddart Institute of Molecular Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China (Ringgold ID: RIN12377)
    2   Department of Chemistry, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorous and Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China (Ringgold ID: RIN12442)
  • Yang Liu

    1   Department of Chemistry, Stoddart Institute of Molecular Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China (Ringgold ID: RIN12377)
    2   Department of Chemistry, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorous and Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China (Ringgold ID: RIN12442)
  • Qing-Hui Guo

    1   Department of Chemistry, Stoddart Institute of Molecular Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China (Ringgold ID: RIN12377)
    2   Department of Chemistry, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorous and Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China (Ringgold ID: RIN12442)

Gefördert durch: Initiative Scientific Research Program, Tsinghua University
Gefördert durch: Tsinghua University
Gefördert durch: Zhejiang University
Gefördert durch: Dushi Program
Gefördert durch: National Natural Science Foundation of China 22193020,22193022,22371251


Graphical Abstract

Abstract

Over the past decade, pillar[n]arenes have emerged as prominent macrocyclic hosts in supramolecular chemistry owing to their straightforward synthesis, versatile functionalization, and rigid columnar cavities, attracting considerable research interest. However, conventional Lewis acid-catalyzed cyclizations exhibit an inherent preference for larger pillar[n]arenes (n ≥ 5) due to kinetic and thermodynamic factors associated with the dynamic oligomerization process, thereby precluding the synthesis of strained pillar[4]arene architectures. To overcome this challenge, we developed an innovative strain-engineering strategy—from low to high strain—based on a key thiophene-to-benzene transformation. This approach involves stepwise thiophene oxidation followed by an inverse electron-demand Diels–Alder (IEDDA) reaction, dynamically driven by SO₂ extrusion. High-resolution mass spectrometry confirmed the formation of tetrahydro-pillar[4]arene derivatives in the reaction mixture through their characteristic isotopic patterns. Our work establishes a viable route to challenging, strained pillar[4]arenes.



Publikationsverlauf

Eingereicht: 03. Mai 2025

Angenommen nach Revision: 04. Juni 2025

Accepted Manuscript online:
04. Juni 2025

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
31. Juli 2025

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