Macrocycles with bithiophene units: synthesis, structure, and electrochemical properties

Bithiophene macrocycles with oligo(oxyethylene) loops were synthesized in good yields by reacting 4,4′-bis(hydroxymethyl)-2,2′-bithiophene with ditosylated oligoethyleneglycols. The structures of the macrocycles were elucidated by NMR spectroscopy and MS spectrometry. The electronic and electrochemical properties of the macrocyclic compounds were determined using cyclic voltammetry and UV–Vis spectroscopy.