Permeable Self-Assembled Molecular Containers for Catalyst Isolation Enabling Two-Step Cascade Reactions

Abstract

Establishment of a general one-pot cascade reaction protocol would dramatically reduce the effort of multistep organic synthesis. We demonstrate that the unique structure of M₁₂L₂₄ self-assembled complexes gives them the potential to serve as catalyst carriers for enabling continuous chemical transformations. A stereoselective cascade reaction (allylic oxidation followed by Diels-Alder cyclization) with two intrinsically incompatible catalysts was demonstrated. Our system is advantageous in terms of availability, scalability, and predictability.