Novel [1(n)]-meta-heterophane frameworks with a bis-betaine nature

A convergent "5 + 1" and "5 + 3" synthetic strategy allowed the synthesis o f the first examples of bis-betaines 2 and 3, a prototype of phanes that in corporate heterocyclic betaines. The structure of the quadrupolar macrocycl ic systems 2 and 3 together with the dicationic [1(6)]- and [1(8)] metahete rophane precursors 5(.)2X and 6(.)2X were examined by spectroscopy using H- 1 and C-13 NMR techniques together with H-1-DNMR studies and electrospray i onization mass spectrometry.