Application of Bayer-Villiger Reaction to the Synthesis of Dibenzo-18-crown-6, Dibenzo-21-crown-7 and Dihydroxydibenzo-18-crown-6

Dibenzo-18-crown-6, dibenzo-21-crown-7 and dihydroxy dibenzo-18-crown-6 were synthesized by Bayer-Vil- liger oxidation strategy. Dibenzo-18-crown-6 and dibenzo-21-crown-7 could be synthesized through a three-step protocol starting from salicylaldehyde. Salicylaldehyde was reacted with bis-(2-chloroethyl)ether using K2CO3 in acetonitrile to link the two phenolic groups with the oxyethylene bridge followed by conversion of the formyl group to the hydroxy group via a Baeyer-Villiger reaction and finally linking the two phenolic group with appropriate oxyethylene bridge. The two target crown ethers were obtained in overall yield, 24% and 30%, respectively. This method has a great potential for synthesis of symmetrical as well as unsymmetrical dibenzo crowns with varying oxyethylene bridges. Baeyer-Villiger oxidation could be used to prepare dihydroxy derivative of dibenzo-18-crown-6 through acetylation of dibenzo-18-crown-6 followed by Baeyer-Villiger oxida- tion. The Baeyer-Villiger oxidation could be substantially accelerated using trifluoroacetic acid.