Merging Molecular Recognition and Gold(I) Catalysis with Triphoscalix[6]arene Ligands

Chemistry. 2021 Jul 16;27(40):10261-10266. doi: 10.1002/chem.202101323. Epub 2021 Jun 4.

Abstract

We report the synthesis and characterization of novel triphosphine calix[6]arene ligands. These supramolecular wheels, with recognition features governed by the hydrogen-bonding domain, were employed to synthesize multitasking trinuclear gold(I) complexes as a new platform for the synthesis of interwoven (pseudo)rotaxane species. In parallel, the multivalent, metal-bonded upper rim displayed catalytic features promoting highly selective gold-catalyzed cycloisomerization reactions of 1,6-enynes.

Keywords: calix[6]arenes; gold catalysis; molecular recognition; phosphines; pseudorotaxanes.