Study of direct macrocycle formation via the cyclisation of propargyl 2-azidobenzoate

Macrocycles were synthesised via the cyclisation of propargyl 2-azidobenzoate using ‘click’ chemistry. An LC/MS-based method for the separation of macrocycles is described. In the present work, the influence of various catalysts and reaction conditions on the course of the reaction is evaluated. The reaction is very sensitive to the conditions, and it is demonstrated that it is possible to modify the ratio of macrocycles by varying the reaction conditions. The cyclisation of propargyl 2-azidobenzoate represents an economical method for the preparation of the studied macrocycles.