Cu(I)-catalyzed macrocyclic Sonogashira-type cross-coupling.

Abstract

A macrocyclic Cu-catalyzed Sonogashira-type cross-coupling reaction has been developed that employs an operationally simple CuCl/phen/Cs2CO3 catalyst system. Macrocyclizations can be performed at relatively high concentrations without the need for slow addition techniques and form macrocycles with various ring sizes and functional groups. The optimized protocol was employed in the synthesis of (S)-zearalane, demonstrating applicability toward the synthesis of a macrocycle with known biological activity.