Ligand-modulated ring-expansion
Keyword(s):
An unstrained metal-containing macrocycle was ring-expanded by a ring-opening metathesis strategy, leading to the formation of a bimetallic dimeric macrocycle. The reaction is driven by coordination of a bulky ligand, 2,6-lutidine, on the fourth coordination site of the palladium center. In the absence of metal, or with a less bulky ligand, the ring-expansion reaction does not proceed.