Improved Syntheses of 4′-Vinylbenzo-3n-Crown-n Ethers (n=5-7)

A convenient, high-yielding, and scalable synthetic approach to the construction of 4 '-vinylbenzocrown ethers has been developed, which employs a decarboxylation and cyclization strategy. Using this method, a wide-ranging class of vinylbenzocrown ethers can be efficiently obtained. The identity of the crown ethers was further established using single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. Two of the vinylbenzocrown ethers crystallize with water, affording infinite supramolecular assemblies containing hydrogen-bonded water molecules.

Automated summary

A convenient, high-yielding, and scalable synthetic approach to construct 4'-vinylbenzocrown ethers has been developed. The identity of the crown ethers was further confirmed using single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies.