Synthesis and an X-ray structure of soluble phenylacetylene macrocycles with two opposing bipyridine donor sites

The synthesis of the shape-persistent macrocycles 10a and 10b with two bipyridine units in opposing sides by Hagihara/Sonogashira cross-coupling chemistry of suitably functionalized building blocks is reported. X-ray analysis of single crystals of 10b shows a layered structure with channels filled with solvent molecules and parts of the flexible chains. with which the cycle is decorated for solubility reasons.