Synthesis of new 1Z,5Z-dienoic macrodiolides with benzenyl and naphthyl moieties

Macrocycles represent an important class of compounds that are widespread in nature. Of particular interest to researchers are aromatic macrocyclic compounds, which, due to their rigid structure and unique physicochemical properties, can find application in many areas of science, industry and medicine. Previously, we synthesized polyether aromatic macrodiolides, which showed intriguing antitumor properties. In the work, Peyrottes S. and co-authors showed that the introduction of biphenyl or naphthyl rings, as well as triple bonds into the structure of the compounds they synthesized, not only helps to reduce the molecular flexibility of the molecule, but also increases the bioavailability after oral administration of the corresponding neutral prodrugs. Studies in mice have shown that the presence of two aromatic groups is well tolerated and has resulted in compounds with valuable properties in vitro and in vivo. [J. Med. Chem. 2013, 56, 496−509, dx.doi.org/10.1021/jm3014585]. Based on these results, in continuation of our research on the synthesis of biologically active macrodiolides, in the framework of this work, new aromatic macrocycles were synthesized, the structure of which, along with the 1Z,5Z-diene fragment, contains phenyl or naphthyl rings. The target polyester macrodiolides were obtained by Hf-catalyzed intermolecular cyclocondensation of 1,14-tetradeca-5Z,9Z-dienedioic acid with diols synthesized from dihydroxybenzenes and naphthalenediols.