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Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Controlled Photoredox Ring-Opening Polymerization of O-Carboxyanhydrides Mediated by Ni/Zn Complexes
Published on: November 21, 2017
Nicholas reactions with carboxylic acids for the synthesis of macrocyclic diolides
Kevin M Shea1, Kristina D Closser, Miriam M Quintal
1Department of Chemistry, Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts 01063, USA. kshea@email.smith.edu
Abstract:
[reaction: see text] We have developed a new strategy for the preparation of diolides using a cascade of Nicholas reactions. The carboxylic acid nucleophiles in these reactions are virtually unstudied participants in transformations of this type. Using this methodology, a 16-membered cobalt-complexed cyclic diyne is available in 28% yield over eight steps (an average of 85% per step). We can also easily access the uncomplexed diolide in one additional step.
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