Catalytic cyclooligomerization of thietane by trirhenium cluster complexes. A new route to polythiaether macrocycles

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/ja00102a022

In this report, the results of our studies of the title reaction are described. It is demonstrated that these thiaethers also produce ring opening of the bridging thietane ligand, but in the case of thietane a series of ring-opening coupling reactions occurs that is concluded by cyclization processes that yield polythiaether macrocycles. Indeed, the ring-opening cyclization can be performed catalytically under suitable conditions to yield the macrocycles in a free state in substantial amounts.