Metal template reactions. XV. The scope of macrocyclic metal complex formation from malonamido dicarbonyl precursors

The malonamido dicarbonyl compounds (4)-(6), (8), (13), (15) and (16) have been prepared as potential precursors of macrocyclic nickel(11) complexes. Such complexes could only be formed successfully from the dimethylmalonyl derivative (4). The benzylidene-substituted benzophenone derivatives (15) and (16) underwent a metal-promoted pinacol reaction to yield compounds (17) and (18) containing an 11-membered ring.