Efficient synthesis of 19-31 membered macrocyclic tetralactones via ring closing metathesis in ionic liquids
The ring closing metathesis reaction in the presence of Grubbs catalyst was demonstrated using several ionic liquids to synthesize a range of macrocyclic tetralactones having ring size of 19 to 31 membered with different spacers. The ionic liquid [mmim][PF6] was found to be an excellent solvent and the recovery of the catalyst was demonstrated. X-ray analysis of a representative macrocyclic tetralactone was also reported.