Rhodium(I)-Catalysed Intramolecular [2+2+2] Cyclotrimerisations of 15-, 20- and 25-Membered Azamacrocycles: Experimental and Theoretical Mechanistic Studies
Number of members makes a difference: The [2+2+2] intramolecularcyclotrimerisation of a new series of 20‐ and 25‐membered azamacrocycles catalysed by the Wilkinson's catalyst are reported (see scheme). The 20‐ and 25‐membered azamacrocycles show different reactivity. Why? Theoretical calculations give insight into the reactivity differences observed for the 20‐ and 25‐membered macrocycles.