Cavitand-driven Metal-catalyst Systems for Selective Transformation

摘要

A preparative synthesis of new supramolecular phosphorus ligands that are based on a resorcin [4] arene and flanked by two quinoxaline walls was described, including a description of complexation with Au metals that reside in the space. We explored a catalytic proclivity of the Au complexes, and found that they efficiently catalyze selective transformations that were previously unthinkable and not possible heretofore in bulk solution. In addition, we sought reasonable mechanism of the effect through a comparison with the corresponding model molecules that weakened and/or lacked the cavity compartments: comparative experiments revealed that the models exhibited much lower reactivities and selectivities. Consequently, the two quinoxaline-moieties proved to be quintessential for the catalysis and the selective production of molecules. Clearly, our progress reported herein will constitute an illustration of high potential of cavitanddriven metal catalysts because of the pivotal evidence showing the catalytic utility of quinoxaline-spanned resorcin [4] arene which is a monumental platform in supramolecular chemistry. These results serve as intellectual basis for future catalytic cavitand chemistry.