Synthesis of functionalized dipyrrolyldiketones, precursors of quinoxaline-containing macrocycles

In the general context of molecular recognition, the need to design new ligands able to selectively bind small analytes is currently being subjected to intensive research. In this respect, and considering that polypyrrole ligands can play crucial roles in this area, we developed the synthesis of a new class of per-alkyl dipyrrolyldiketone building blocks. Further functionalization including oxidation, and conversion to the corresponding aza-analogue dimer of indolizine is described.