Synthesis of cryptands with di-yne units via acetylenic homocoupling reactions of C3 tripodands

Cryptands with di-yne units were obtained in good yields by the acetylenic homocoupling reaction of tripodands possesing terminal ethynyl units on the pendant arms. The coupling reactions also led to isomeric bismacrocylic compounds, and the shifting of the process toward the products of intramolecular or intermolecular coupling reactions was influenced by the structure of tripodands and by the coupling reaction conditions.