Synthesis and characterisation of tetra-tetrazole macrocycles

The syntheses of tetra-tetrazole macrocycles, containing two bis-tetrazole units linked by a variety of alkyl-chain lengths from four to eight carbons, are described. The crystal structures of three of these derivatives are reported, and the molecular conformation in the solid state is compared to that of the previously reported tetra-tetrazole macrocycle and to other bis- and tris(tetrazole)benzene structures. The macrocycle conformation is influenced by the length of the alkyl-chain linker, the relative orientation of the tetrazole rings on the benzene ring and by intermolecular interactions. In the macrocycles based on 1,2-bis(tetrazole)benzene, the adjacent tetrazole rings on the benzene ring are prevented from becoming co-planar on intramolecular (steric) grounds. In the 1,3- and 1,4-bis(tetrazole)benzene derivatives, there is no such impediment, and a co-planar arrangement is observed where intra- and/or intermolecular stacking interactions exist. Deviations from co-planarity are associated with optimisation of intermolecular interactions between the tetrazole rings and adjacent alkyl chains. In the macrocycle based on 1,4-bis(tetrazole)benzene with four-carbon linkers, an intramolecular stacking interaction exists, which precludes the presence of any cavity. In the macrocycle based on 1,3-bis(tetrazole)benzene with six-carbon linkers, a cavity of 10.8×9.4 Å is observed for each molecule in the solid state, although the packing of adjacent molecules is such that there are no extended channels running through the crystal.