Guest-Induced Selective Functionalization of Polyaza[n]paracyclophanes

A new strategy to the preparation of selectively functionalized polyazamacrocycles is presented. Polyaza[n]paracyclophane receptors are able to efficiently direct their own selective functionalization upon interaction with simple guests such as metal cations. This enables the preparation of novel receptors functionalized at one of the benzylic nitrogen atoms with a variety of groups. Selective difunctionalization at both benzylic positions can also be achieved in this way.