Synthesis of Polyazamacrocyclic Compounds via Modified Richman−Atkins Cyclization of β-Trimethylsilylethanesulfonamides

The Richman−Atkins cyclization remains one of the most widely used methods for the preparation of macrocyclic polyamines. The use of β-trimethylsilylethanesulfonamides (SES-sulfonamides) for the preparation of polyazamacrocyclic compounds is described. This expands existing Richman−Atkins sulfonamide macrocyclization methodology, and it successfully enables preparation of labile polyaza[n](1,4)naphthalenophanes and polyaza[n](9,10)anthracenophanes, not previously available in appreciable quantities.