A new method for the synthesis of maleate(and phthalate)-bridged cyclo
phanes is described. For example, cyclophanes 4 (or 5) were obtained i
n 37-55 % yields by treating maleic (or phthalic) anhydride with vario
us benzene dimethanols and reacting the resulting bis-carboxylate salt
s with various alpha,alpha'-dibromoxylenes. A cyclophane containing co
polymer of 4 with 1,3-propanedithiol was prepared. (C) 1998 Elsevier S
cience Ltd. All rights reserved.