Highly substituted Schiff base macrocycles via hexasubstituted benzene: a convenient double Duff formylation of catechol derivatives

The synthesis of soluble, shape-persistent macrocycles is important for developing new materials. Double Duff formylation of 4,5-dialkylcatechol derivatives yields 3,6-diformyl-4,5-dialkylcatechols in moderate yields. These hexasubstituted aromatics are useful precursors to highly substituted Schiff base macrocycles. We illustrate convenient routes to these compounds as well as structural studies of two new macrocycles with alkyl substituents.