Direct synthesis of polymacrocyclic boron compounds. A convenient method for the synthesis of hemicarcerands

Six new hemicarcerand-like compounds have been synthesized via condensation reaction of 3-aminophenylboronic acid with 5,5'-methylene-bis(2-hydroxybenzencarbonyl) derivatives. The one-pot reaction constitutes an interesting approach to design molecular containers by direct synthesis in moderate yields. The strategy involves a self-assembly process through the formation of N-B coordinative bonds. The X-ray structural analysis for one derivative illustrates the inclusion of two benzene molecules within the cavity, showing in a first approximation the capability of the polymacrocyclic compounds to function as molecular receptors. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.