Abstract
Benzoin condensation is one of the oldest rigorously described organic reactions, having been discovered in 1832 by Liebig and Wöhler. It creates a new C-C bond and a stereocenter from ubiquitous aldehyde starting materials under simple cyanide-catalyzed conditions. We have recently discovered cyclobenzoins: a class of macrocyclic compounds prepared by a benzoin cyclooligomerization of simple aromatic dialdehydes. Cyclobenzoins' internal cavities suggest they should be intriguing solution-phase supramolecular hosts, while their crystallographic packing aligns these cavities into potentially useful pores in the solid state. Well-precedented derivatization chemistry allows rapid functionalization into heteroacenes, which are optoelectronic materials and models for graphene defects. This Feature Article summarizes our work on cyclobenzoins, together with other applications of benzoins in supramolecular chemistry and materials science.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
