Unexpected Keto-enol Tautomerism in the Cyclopyridinophane Class Direct and indirect proofs
The paper presents the synthesis of cyclo (bis-paraquat p-phenylene p-phenylene-carbonyl) tetrakis (hexafluorophosphate), named �CETOBOX�, and the closely related structural determinations. This compound exists in three tautomeric forms. These forms were evidentiated by NMR-data (1H-NMR, TOCSY, COSY, NOESY), UV-Vis spectra coupled with pH measurements and by synthesis. As the �CETOBOX� gives �in situ� only the corresponding monoylide, the synthesis of a new fluorescent indolizine cyclophane has been performed by a 3+2 cycloaddition. All structures of the new compounds presented herein have been established by NMR spectroscopy. Also, theoretical methods (MM3, AM1, AM1-COSMO and B88LYPDFT) have been used to determine the most stable conformer structures.