The first preparation of crown ether-annulated porphyrin

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/0040-4039(96)00509-6

Pyrroles fused with crown ethers are prepared by the reaction of 3,4-dihydroxy pyrrole 1 and polyethylene glycol ditosylate 2 in the presence of cesium fluoride using a convenient high dilution method. These pyrroles can be converted into the corresponding porphyrins with four crown ether moieties, which are expected to form ion channels.