Pnictogen-directed synthesis of discrete disulfide macrocycles.

ABSTRACT

Cyclic disulfide macrocycles were rapidly synthesized cleanly and selectively from rigid dithiols via oxidation with iodine when activated by pnictogen additives (As and Sb). Macrocycles were confirmed by (1)H-NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. A p-xylyl-based disulfide trimer and tetramer crystallized in hollow, stacked columns stabilized by intermolecular, sulfur···sulfur close contacts.