Synthesis of Linear Oligo(catechol) Ligands for the Metal Directed Self-Assembling of Helicates

The synthesis of the oligo(catechol) systems 1-4 with different substituents, length of the connecting spacer, and number of catechol units is achieved by the use of various coupling reactions (e.g. Wurtz, Glaser-Eglinton, Stephens-Castro). In order to do this methods of preparing the building blocks, 2,3-dimethoxybenzyl bromides 5, 2,3-dimethoxyphenylacetylene (17), or 1,4-dibromo-2,3-dimethoxybenzene (23) have been developed starting with simple catechol (benzene-1,2-diol) derivatives.