Synthesis of cycloveratrylene macrocycles and benzyl oligomers catalysed by bentonite under microwave/infrared and solvent-free conditions

Molecules. 2013 Oct 16;18(10):12820-44. doi: 10.3390/molecules181012820.

Abstract

Tonsil Actisil FF, which is a commercial bentonitic clay, promotes the formation of cycloveratrylene macrocycles and benzyl oligomers from the corresponding benzyl alcohols in good yields under microwave heating and infrared irradiation in the absence of solvent in both cases. The catalytic reaction is sensitive to the type of substituent on the aromatic ring. Thus, when benzyl alcohol was substituted with a methylenedioxy, two methoxy or three methoxy groups, a cyclooligomerisation process was induced. Unsubstituted, methyl and methoxy benzyl alcohols yielded linear oligomers. In addition, computational chemistry calculations were performed to establish a validated mechanistic pathway to explain the growth of the obtained linear oligomers.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alkenes / chemical synthesis
  • Bentonite / chemistry*
  • Benzyl Compounds / chemical synthesis
  • Catalysis
  • Computer Simulation
  • Macrocyclic Compounds / chemical synthesis*
  • Macrocyclic Compounds / chemistry
  • Microwaves
  • Models, Chemical
  • Models, Molecular
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Polymers / chemical synthesis
  • Quantum Theory
  • Solvents
  • Thermodynamics

Substances

  • Alkenes
  • Benzyl Compounds
  • Macrocyclic Compounds
  • Polymers
  • Solvents
  • Bentonite