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Published on: July 17, 2020
Photocyclizable resorcin[4]arene dimers
Christian Schäfer1, Frank Strübe, Sebastian Bringmann
1Organische Chemie I, Universität Bielefeld, Postfach 100131, 33501, Bielefeld, Germany.
Researchers synthesized novel resorcinarene dimers linked by functionalized anthracene units. These dimers undergo photochemical [4+4] cycloaddition, altering their cavity size, with future work focusing on the reverse reaction.
Area of Science:
- Supramolecular Chemistry
- Photochemistry
- Organic Synthesis
Background:
- Resorcin[4]arenes are versatile macrocyclic hosts.
- Anthracene derivatives are known for their photochemical reactivity.
- Covalently linked molecular systems offer tunable properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize novel covalently linked resorcin[4]arene dimers.
- To investigate the photochemical behavior of these dimers.
- To explore the potential for light-induced structural changes.
Main Methods:
- Organic synthesis of resorcin[4]arene-anthracene dimers.
- Characterization using spectroscopic techniques.
- UV/VIS spectroscopy to study photochemical properties.
Main Results:
- Successful synthesis and characterization of two resorcin[4]arene dimers.
- Demonstration of intramolecular [4+4] cycloaddition upon UV irradiation.
- Observed changes in the size of the molecular cavity.
Conclusions:
- The synthesized resorcinarene dimers exhibit light-responsive behavior.
- Intramolecular cycloaddition offers a pathway to modify cavity dimensions.
- Further research is needed to achieve the reverse photochemical reaction.
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