Synthesis of azamacrocycles via a Mitsunobu reaction

Reaction of pernosylated diethylenetriamine and 2-substituted propane-1,3-diols in dry THF in the presence of triphenylphosphine and diisopropyl azodicarboxylate gives the corresponding protected 9-substituted 1,4,7-triazacyclodecanes. The Mitsunobu reaction was also used in the preparation of 3-substituted 1,5,9-triazacyclododecanes and macrocyclic pyridine derivatives.