Synthesis of all-syn Functionalized Triphenylene Ketals

The stereoselective synthesis of triphenylene ketals offers access to unique scaffolds. For a good performance in supramolecular applications an all-syn orientation of the functional groups is essential. The oxidative trimerization of catechol ketals by molybdenum pentachloride or mixtures with titanium tetrachloride leads to a template-directed formation. Several heterocyclic moieties are suitable for this transformation. A template-directed isomerization of anti,anti,syn isomers to the desired C-3-symmetric derivative was demonstrated in two cases.