Electronic Supplementary Material (ESI) for ChemComm.

This journal is The Royal Society of Chemistry 2014

Electronic Supplementary Information

Intramolecular Hydroalkoxylation Catalyzed inside a

Self-assembled Cavity of an Enzyme-like Host Structure
Lorenzo Catti and Konrad Tiefenbacher*

Department Chemie, Technische Universitt Mnchen, D-85747 Garching, Germany

*Correspondence to: [email protected]

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Index
1. General information ............................................................................................................... 3
2. Synthesis of C-undecylcalix[4]resorcinarene (1) ................................................................... 4
3. Substrate syntheses ................................................................................................................. 5
4. Intramolecular hydroalkoxylation: determination of yields ................................................. 14
5. Reaction times ...................................................................................................................... 23
6. Control experiments ............................................................................................................. 24
6.1 Blocked cavity ................................................................................................................ 24
6.2 Without catalyst .............................................................................................................. 26
6.3 With Brnsted acid in solution ....................................................................................... 27
7. Competition experiment ....................................................................................................... 27
8. Water content ....................................................................................................................... 29
9. Substrate concentration ........................................................................................................ 29
10. Unreactive substrates .......................................................................................................... 30
11. References .......................................................................................................................... 32

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1. General information
Experimental: Reactions were carried out under an atmosphere of argon unless otherwise
indicated. Analytical thin-layer chromatography (TLC) was performed on Merck silica gel 60
F254 glass-baked plates, which were analyzed after exposure to standard staining solutions
(basic KMnO4 or vanillin). 1H NMR spectra were recorded at 250 MHz, 360 MHz or
500 MHz, using a Bruker AV 250, AV 360 and AV 500 spectrometer respectively. 13C NMR
spectra were recorded at 91 MHz on a Bruker AV 360 MHz spectrometer. Chemical shifts of
1

H NMR and 13C NMR (measured at 298 K) are given in ppm by using CHCl3 and CDCl3 as

references (7.26 ppm and 77.16 ppm respectively). Coupling constants (J) are reported in
Hertz (Hz). Standard abbreviations indicating multiplicity were used as follows: s (singlet), d
(doublet), dd (doublet of doublets), t (triplet), m (multiplet). GC analyses were done on an
Agilent GC6890 instrument equipped with a FID detector and a HP-5 capillary column
(length = 29.5 m). Hydrogen was used as the carrier gas and the constant-flow mode (flow
rate = 1.8 mL/min) with a split ratio of 1:20 was used. The following temperature-program
was used: 60 C for 3 min, 15 C/min to 250 C, and 250 C for 5 min. Infrared spectra were
recorded on a JASCO FT/IR-4100 spectrometer. High-resolution mass spectra were obtained
using either the electron impact ionization (EI) technique on a Thermo Finnigan MAT 95
mass spectrometer or the electrospray ionization (ESI) technique on a Thermo Finnigan LTQ
FT mass spectrometer. Sonication was performed in a VWR Ultrasonic Cleaner USC-300TH.
Sources of chemicals: Anhydrous CH2Cl2, Et2O and THF were taken from a solvent drying
system (MBraun SPS-800). THF was further dried by distillation from sodium/benzophenone
under argon atmosphere. CDCl3 (99.8%) was purchased from Deutero GmbH. Anhydrous
ethanol,

anhydrous

toluene,

lithium

aluminium

hydride,

2,6-dimethyl-5-heptenal,

methylmagnesium chloride solution in Et2O, allylmagnesium bromide solution in Et2O,

ethynylmagnesium bromide solution in THF, dodecylmagnesium bromide solution in Et2O,
3,3-dimethyallyl bromide, potassium tert-butoxide, diisobutylaluminium hydride solution in
cyclohexane, phthalide, methyllithium solution in Et2O, imidazole, tert-butyldimethylsilyl
chloride solution in toluene, 1-bromo-11-hydroxyundecane, methyltriphenylphosphonium
bromide, n-butyllithium solution in hexanes, ethylene glycol, boron trifluoride diethyl etherate,
trifluoromethanesulfonic acid, tert-butyl hydroperoxide solution in decane and sodium bis(2methoxyethoxy) aluminium hydride (Red-Al) solution in toluene were purchased from
Sigma-Aldrich.

Silica

gel

(0.040-0.063

mm,

230-400

mesh

ASTM),

anhydrous

iron(III) chloride, tetramethylethylenediamine, dimethyl malonate and sodium hydride (60%

S3

suspension in paraffin oil) were purchased from Merck KGaA. Sodium sulfate and
magnesium sulfate were purchased from AppliChem. Vanadyl acetylacetonate and
ammonium chloride were purchased from ABCR and Grssing respectively. Cyclopentanone
and n-decane were purchased from Fluka. CHCl3 (stabilized with 50 ppm amylene), nerol,
resorcinol, 6-methylhept-5-en-2-one, -caprolactone, 4-penten-1-ol and dodecanal were
purchased from Alfa Aesar. 4-Hexen-1-ol was purchased from SAFC. n-Hexane (HPLC
grade) was purchased from VWR. Hydrochloric acid (37%), isopropyltriphenylphosphonium
iodide, isopropenylmagnesium bromide solution in THF, tetrabutylammonium fluoride
solution in THF, acetic acid and tetrabutylammonium bromide were purchased from Acros
Organics. Methanol, pentane, Et2O and EtOAc were purchased from Brenntag and distilled
prior to use. Chemicals were used without further purification, unless stated otherwise.
General: Transfer of liquids with a volume ranging from 1 to 10 L or from 10 to 100 L
was performed with a Microman M1 pipette (Gilson, systematic error: 1.40% - 1.60%)
equipped with 10 L or 100 L pipette tips respectively. For reactions with catalyst I, only
glass pipettes and syringes with stainless steel cannula from Unimed were used in the
preparation to prevent contamination with silicone grease, which is visible at 0.07 ppm in the
1

H NMR spectrum. The weighing of tetrabutylammonium bromide, solid substrates and

substrates with unknown density for the preparation of stock solutions was performed using a
M3P Sartorius microbalance.

2. Synthesis of C-undecylcalix[4]resorcinarene (1)

Resorcin[4]arene 1 was synthesized according to modified literature procedures.1,2 To a

stirred solution of 99.9 % ethanol (54 mL) and 37% aqueous HCl (18 mL), resorcinol (14.3 g,
129 mmol, 1.0 eq.) was added. After complete dissolution and cooling to 0 C, a solution of
dodecanal (29.9 mL, 129 mmol, 1.0 eq.) in 99.9% ethanol (36 mL) was added dropwise into
the reaction mixture over the course of 1 h. The resulting solution was allowed to warm to rt
and subsequently refluxed at 100 C for 18 h. The dark red solution was then allowed to cool
S4

to rt whereby a yellow precipitate formed. The precipitate was dispersed in cold methanol,
filtered and subsequently washed with cold methanol until the washings were light yellow.
The solid was crystallized twice from methanol (50 mL and 28 mL respectively). In order to
remove remaining yellow impurities, the solid was moistened with cold methanol and then
washed extensively with distilled water (6 50 mL). The crystalline material was dried under
reduced pressure (16 mbar) at rt using a rotary evaporator. The drying process was continued
until the residual methanol was completely removed and a satisfactory water content was
obtained. Compound 1 (17.4 g, 15.7 mmol, 49%) was obtained as a white to slightly
yellowish powder. After dissolving 1 (11.0 mg) in CDCl3 (0.50 mL), a water content of 1112 eq. H2O/hexamer I was determined via integration of the 1H NMR spectrum. The
spectroscopic data matched those reported in the literature.3
General remark: If the water content is too low, a gel like mixture is obtained upon addition of
CDCl3.
The catalytic activity of hexamer I in intramolecular hydroalkoxylations was reproduced
when commercially available C-undecylcalix[4]resorcinarene 1 (monohydrate; methanol-free;
purchased from Sigma Aldrich) was employed.

3. Substrate syntheses
Compounds 3b and 3h were prepared according to published procedures.4,5 Their spectroscopic data matched those reported in the literature.6,5
General procedure for the addition of Grignard reagents to 6-methylhept-5-en-2-one:
According to a modified literature procedure,7 6-methylhept-5-en-2-one (1.0 eq.) was
dissolved in anhydrous THF (0.23

M)

and cooled to 0 C. A solution of the Grignard reagent

(2.0-2.5 eq.) was then added dropwise and the reaction mixture was stirred for 15 min at 0 C.
After additional stirring at rt (1-3 h), the reaction was carefully quenched with saturated
aqueous NH4Cl and extracted with Et2O (3 ). The combined organic phases were dried over
Na2SO4, filtered and concentrated under vacuum. The crude product was subsequently
purified via flash column chromatography (pentane/Et2O).

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2,6-Dimethylhept-5-en-2-ol (3a)

According to the general procedure for the addition of Grignard reagents, methylmagnesium
chloride (1.5 M in Et2O, 5.28 mL, 7.92 mmol, 2.5 eq.) was added to 6-methylhept-5-en-2-one
(0.47 mL, 3.17 mmol, 1.0 eq.) and the mixture was stirred for 3 h at rt. After flash column
chromatography (silica gel, pentane/Et2O = 5/1), alcohol 3a (315 mg, 2.21 mmol, 70%) was
obtained as a colorless oil.
1

H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl3): [ppm] = 5.13 (m, 1H), 2.11 - 2.02 (m, 2H), 1.69 (s, 3H), 1.63

(s, 3H), 1.54 - 1.48 (m, 2H), 1.22 (s, 6H).

TLC: Rf = 0.59 (pentane/Et2O = 1/2) [KMnO4].
The spectroscopic data matched those reported in the literature.8
4,8-Dimethylnona-1,7-dien-4-ol (3d)

According to the general procedure for the addition of Grignard reagents, allylmagnesium
bromide (1.0

in Et2O, 3.60 mL, 2.0 eq.) was added to 6-methylhept-5-en-2-one (0.27 mL,

1.80 mmol, 1.0 eq.) and the mixture was stirred for 1 h at rt. After flash column
chromatography (silica gel, pentane/Et2O = 5/1), alcohol 3d (164 mg, 975 mol, 54%) was
obtained as a colorless oil.
1

H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl3): [ppm] = 5.93 - 5.81 (m, 1H), 5.20 - 5.05 (m, 3H), 2.30 - 2.20

(m, 2H), 2.10 - 2.00 (m, 2H), 1.69 (s, 3H), 1.63 (s, 3H), 1.55 - 1.45 (m, 2H), 1.18 (s, 3H).
TLC: Rf = 0.33 (pentane/Et2O = 5/1) [KMnO4].
The spectroscopic data matched those reported in the literature.9
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3,7-Dimethyloct-6-en-1-yn-3-ol (3c)

According to a modified literature procedure,10 6-methylhept-5-en-2-one (0.35 mL,

2.38 mmol, 1.0 eq.) was dissolved in anhydrous THF (7 mL) and cooled to 0 C. After slow
addition of ethynylmagnesium bromide (0.5

in THF, 7.13 mL, 3.57 mmol, 1.5 eq.), the

mixture was stirred for 2 h at 0 C. The reaction was subsequently quenched with saturated
aqueous NH4Cl (10 mL) and extracted with Et2O (3 30 mL). The combined organic phases
were dried over Na2SO4, filtered and concentrated under vacuum. The crude product was
purified by flash column chromatography (pentane/Et2O = 10/1) to afford alcohol 3c (290 mg,
1.91 mmol, 80%) as a colorless oil.
1

H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl3): [ppm] = 5.22 - 5.14 (m, 1H), 2.46 (s, 1H), 2.36 - 2.24 (m, 1H),

2.24 - 2.12 (m, 1H), 1.74 - 1.68 (m, 2H), 1.70 (s, 3H), 1.66 (s, 3H), 1.50 (s, 3H).
TLC: Rf = 0.73 (pentane/Et2O = 2/1) [KMnO4].
The spectroscopic data matched those reported in the literature.10
2,6-Dimethyloctadec-2-en-6-ol (5)

To a stirred solution of dodecylmagnesium bromide (1.0

in Et2O, 6.34 mL, 6.34 mmol,

2.0 eq.) in anhydrous Et2O (4.79 mL) at 0 C was added a solution of 6-methylhept-5-en-2one (0.47 mL, 3.17 mmol, 1.0 eq.) in anhydrous Et2O (10 mL) dropwise. After 1 h of stirring
at 0 C, the reaction mixture was refluxed for 2 h, followed by 1 h of stirring at rt. Upon
completion, the reaction was quenched by the addition of saturated aqueous NH4Cl at 0 C
and extracted with Et2O (3 50 mL). The combined organic phases were washed with brine,
dried over Na2SO4, filtered and concentrated under vacuum. The crude product was purified

S7

by flash column chromatography (pentane/Et2O = 10/1 5/1) to yield compound 5 (609 mg,
2.05 mmol, 65%) as a colorless oil.
1

H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl3): [ppm] = 5.17 - 5.09 (m, 1H), 2.09 - 1.98 (m, 2H), 1.69 (s,

3H), 1.63 (s, 3H), 1.51 - 1.41 (m, 4H), 1.34 - 1.21 (m, 20H), 1.16 (s, 3H), 0.88 (t, J = 6.9 Hz,
3H).
13

C NMR (91 MHz, CDCl3): [ppm] = 131.8, 124.7, 73.0, 42.2, 41.7, 32.1, 30.4, 29.8 (6C),

29.5, 27.0, 25.9, 24.1, 22.9, 17.8, 14.3.

HRMS (EI): calcd. for C20H38+ [(M-H2O)+]: 278.2973, found: 278.2976.
IR (ATR): [cm-1] = 3377, 2959, 2922, 2852, 1464, 1375, 1300, 1112, 984, 918, 837, 721.
TLC: Rf = 0.18 (pentane/Et2O = 5/1) [KMnO4].
Synthesis of diol 3f:

Scheme S1. Synthesis of diol 3f.

Dimethyl 2,2-bis(3-methylbut-2-en-1-yl)malonate (8)

To a stirred solution of dimethyl malonate (7) (500 mg, 3.78 mmol, 1.0 eq.) in anhydrous
THF (12 mL) was added NaH (60% suspension in paraffin oil, 282 mg, 11.73 mmol, 3.1 eq.)
at 0 C, and the reaction mixture was stirred for 20 min at rt. To the reaction mixture was
added 3,3-dimethylallyl bromide (1.05 mL, 9.08 mmol, 2.4 eq.), and the mixture was
subsequently stirred for 21 h at rt. The reaction was quenched by the addition of saturated
aqueous NH4Cl, and this mixture was extracted with EtOAc (3 20 mL) and washed with
S8

brine. The combined organic phases were dried over Na2SO4, filtered and concentrated under
vacuum. The crude alkylation product 8 was used without further purification in the next step
as shown in scheme S1.
1

H NMR (360 MHz, CDCl3): [ppm] = 4.99 - 4.89 (m, 2H), 3.69 (s, 6H), 2.58 (d, J = 7.5 Hz,

4H), 1.68 (s, 6H), 1.59 (s, 6H).

TLC: Rf = 0.48 (pentane/Et2O = 10/1) [KMnO4].
2,2-Bis(3-methylbut-2-en-1-yl)propane-1,3-diol (3f)

To a stirred solution of the crude alkylation product 8 (1.00 g, 3.78 mmol, 1.0 eq.) in
anhydrous THF (12 mL) was carefully added LiAlH4 (323 mg, 8.51 mmol, 2.3 eq.) in
multiple portions at 0 C, and the reaction mixture was stirred over night at rt. The reaction
was quenched by the addition of MgSO410H2O and the precipitate was separated by filtration.
After thoroughly washing the precipitate with Et2O, the crude product was obtained via
concentration under vacuum. Purification by flash column chromatography (pentane/EtOAc =
3/1) yielded diol 3f (286 mg, 1.35 mmol, 36% over two steps) as a white solid.
1

H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl3): [ppm] = 5.22 - 5.15 (m, 2H), 3.58 (s, 4H), 2.01 (d, J = 7.7 Hz,

4H), 1.85 (s, 2H), 1.72 (s, 6H), 1.74 (s, 6H).
TLC: Rf = 0.24 (pentane/EtOAc = 3/1) [KMnO4].
The spectroscopic data matched those reported in the literature.11
(2-(2-Methylprop-1-en-1-yl)phenyl)methanol (3g)

To a mixture of potassium tert-butoxide (1.40 g, 12.46 mmol, 4.0 eq.) in anhydrous toluene
(28 mL) was added isopropyltriphenylphosphonium iodide (5.38 g, 12.46 mmol, 4.0 eq.) in
one portion at rt. The dark red suspension was stirred for 30 min at rt before a solution of 1,3S9

dihydroisobenzofuran-1-ol (424 mg, 3.11 mmol, 1.0 eq.) prepared according to a published
procedure12 and used crude without further purification in toluene (14 mL) was added
slowly to the reaction mixture. The orange suspension was stirred for 4 h at rt at which point
TLC showed full conversion of the starting material. The reaction was quenched with
saturated aqueous NH4Cl (20 mL) and extracted with Et2O (3 30 mL). The combined
organic phases were washed with brine (1 30 mL), dried over Na2SO4, filtered and
concentrated under vacuum. To remove most of the formed triphenylphosphin oxide, the
residue was suspended in a mixture of pentane and Et2O (2/1) and the supernatant liquid was
decanted. After repeating this process several times, the combined organic phases were again
concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product was then purified by flash column
chromatography (pentane/Et2O = 5/1) to afford alcohol 3g (283 mg, 1.74 mmol, 35% over
two steps) as a colorless oil.
1

H NMR (360 MHz, CDCl3): [ppm] = 7.44 - 7.36 (m, 1H), 7.30 - 7.20 (m, 2H), 7.19 - 7.12

(m, 1H), 6.33 (s, 1H), 4.65 (s, 2H), 1.92 (s, 3H), 1.70 (s, 3H).
TLC: Rf = 0.21 (pentane/Et2O = 5/1) [KMnO4].
The spectroscopic data matched those reported in the literature.13
Synthesis of alcohol 3i:

Scheme S2. Synthesis of alcohol 3i.

7-Hydroxyheptan-2-on (10)

-Caprolactone (9) (0.65 mL, 6.13 mmol, 1.0 eq.) was dissolved in anhydrous THF (18 mL).
The solution was brought to 78 C, whereupon methyllithium (1.6

in Et2O, 4.22 mL,

6.75 mmol, 1.1 eq.) was added dropwise over a 20 min span. The mixture was stirred for
S10

45 min at 78 C and then quenched with saturated aqueous NH4Cl. The crude product was
extracted with Et2O (3 30 mL) and the combined organic phases were dried over Na2SO4,
filtered and concentrated under vacuum. Purification via flash column chromatography
(pentane/EtOAc = 1/1) afforded the monomethylated product 10 (211 mg, 1.62 mmol, 26%)
as a colorless oil. Product 10 was used in the next step as shown in scheme S2.
1

H NMR (250 MHz, CDCl3): [ppm] = 3.64 (t, J = 6.4 Hz, 2H), 2.44 (t, J = 7.3 Hz, 2H),

2.13 (s, 3H), 1.67 - 1.50 (m, 4H), 1.44 - 1.30 (m, 2H).
The spectroscopic data matched those reported in the literature.14
6-Methylhept-6-en-1-ol (3i)

To a suspension of methyltriphenylphosphonium bromide (1.74 g, 4.86 mmol, 3.0 eq.) in

anhydrous THF (8 mL) was added n-butyllithium (2.5

in hexanes, 1.94 mL, 4.86 mmol,

3.0 eq.) dropwise at 78 C. The cold bath was subsequently removed, and the solution was
allowed to warm towards rt over a period of 20 min. After cooling to 0 C, a solution of
ketone 10 (211 mg, 1.62 mmol, 1.0 eq.) in anhydrous THF (2 mL) was added dropwise and
the reaction mixture was stirred for 10 min at 0 C. The mixture was then heated to reflux and
stirred for 20 h. After cooling to 0 C, saturated aqueous NH4Cl was added to quench the
reaction. The crude product was extracted with Et2O and the combined organic phases were
washed with brine, dried over Na2SO4, filtered and concentrated under vacuum. The organic
mixture was purified via flash column chromatography (pentane/Et2O = 2/1) to give alcohol
3i (141 mg, 1.10 mmol, 68%) as a colorless oil.
1

H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl3): [ppm] = 4.71 - 4.69 (m, 1H), 4.68 - 4.65 (m, 1H), 3.65 (t, J =

6.6 Hz, 2H), 2.02 (t, J = 7.5 Hz, 2H), 1.71 (s, 3H), 1.62 - 1.55 (m, 2H), 1.50 - 1.42 (m, 2H),
1.40 - 1.32 (m, 2H).
TLC: Rf = 0.30 (pentane/Et2O = 2/1) [KMnO4].
The spectroscopic data matched those reported in the literature.15

S11

Synthesis of alcohol 3j:

Scheme S3. Synthesis of alcohol 3j.

5-Cyclopentylidenepentan-1-ol (3j)

To a solution of ester 12 (253 mg, 1.19 mmol, 1.0 eq.) prepared according to a published
procedure16 in one step from cyclopentanone (11), as shown in scheme S3 in anhydrous
THF (13 mL) was added LiAlH4 (141 mg, 3.72 mmol, 3.1 eq.) at 0 C. The mixture was
stirred for 15 min at that temperature, before the reaction was quenched by successive
addition of water (0.56 mL) and 15% NaOH (0.14 mL). After 15 min of stirring at rt, MgSO4
was added and the mixture was again stirred for 15 min at rt. The suspension was then filtered
and the filtrate was concentrated under vacuum. Purification of the crude product via flash
column chromatography (pentane/Et2O = 2/1) yielded alcohol 3j (162 mg, 1.05 mmol, 88%)
as a colorless oil.
1

H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl3): [ppm] = 5.34 - 5.30 (m, 1H), 3.64 (t, J = 6.6 Hz, 2H), 2.32 -

2.36 (m, 2H), 2.25 - 2.18 (m, 2H), 2.11 - 2.04 (m, 2H), 1.89 - 1.80 (m, 2H), 1.62 - 1.54 (m,
2H), 1.52 - 1.43 (m, 2H), 1.40 - 1.30 (m, 2H).
13

C NMR (91 MHz, CDCl3): [ppm] = 144.9, 123.4, 63.2, 35.2, 32.9, 32.6, 31.3, 27.8, 25.8,

23.6.
HRMS (EI): calcd. for C10H18O+ [(M)+]: 154.1358, found: 154.1341.
IR (ATR): [cm-1] = 3327, 3042, 2929, 2855, 1697, 1652, 1613, 1458, 1436, 1338, 1296,
1070, 1050, 963, 814.
S12

TLC: Rf = 0.26 (pentane/Et2O = 2/1) [KMnO4].

Synthesis of diol 3e:

Scheme S4. Synthesis of diol 3e.

(+/-)-2,3-Epoxynerol (14)

To a stirred solution of nerol (13) (0.34 mL, 1.94 mmol, 1.0 eq.) in anhydrous CH2Cl2
(5.6 mL) was added vanadyl acetylacetonate (51.6 mg, 194 mol, 0.1 eq.) in one portion.
After slow addition of tert-butyl hydroperoxide (5.5

in decane, 0.46 mL, 2.53 mmol,

1.3 eq.), the reaction mixture was stirred for 1.5 h at rt. The reaction was subsequently
quenched by the addition of 50% aqueous Na2S2O3 (5.6 mL) and the crude product was
extracted with Et2O (3 6 mL). The combined organic phases were successively washed with
water (2 6 mL) and brine (1 6 mL), dried over Na2SO4 and concentrated under vacuum.
Purification via flash column chromatography (pentane/Et2O = 1/1) yielded (+/-)-2,3epoxynerol (14) (249 mg, 1.46 mmol, 75%) as a colorless oil. (+/-)-2,3-Epoxynerol (14) was
used in the next step as shown in scheme S4.
1

H NMR (360 MHz, CDCl3): [ppm] = 5.16 - 5.04 (m, 1H), 3.88 - 3.75 (m, 1H), 3.72 - 3.60

(m, 1H), 2.96 (dd, J = 6.8 Hz, 4.5 Hz, 1H), 2.24 - 1.98 (m, 2H), 1.72 - 1.62 (m, 1H), 1.69 (s,
3H), 1.62 (s, 3H), 1.54 - 1.42 (m, 1H), 1.34 (s, 3H).
TLC: Rf = 0.03 (pentane/Et2O = 5/1) [KMnO4].
The spectroscopic data matched those reported in the literature.17

S13

3,7-Dimethyloct-6-ene-1,3-diol (3e)

To a stirred solution of (+/-)-2,3-epoxynerol (14) (150 mg, 881 mol, 1.0 eq.) in anhydrous
THF (3 mL) was added sodium bis(2-methoxyethoxy) aluminium hydride (3.5

in toluene,

264 L, 925 mol, 1.1 eq.) dropwise at 0 C. The reaction mixture was stirred for 5 h at rt, at
which point TLC indicated full conversion. After dilution with Et2O (1 mL), the reaction was
quenched by successive addition of water (1.1 mL) and 2N HCl (1.1 mL). The crude product
was subsequently extracted with Et2O (3 30 mL) and washed with brine. The combined
organic phases were dried over Na2SO4, filtered and concentrated under vacuum. After flash
column chromatography (pentane/EtOAc = 2/1), diol 3e (122 mg, 708 mol, 80%) was
obtained as a colorless oil.
1

H NMR (360 MHz, CDCl3): [ppm] = 5.20 - 5.07 (m, 1H), 3.98 - 3.80 (m, 2H), 2.40 - 2.15

(s, 2H), 2.14 - 1.96 (m, 2H), 1.86 - 1.76 (m, 1H), 1.72 - 1.50 (m, 3H), 1.69 (s, 3H), 1.63 (s,
3H), 1.26 (s, 3H).
TLC: Rf = 0.42 (pentane/EtOAc = 1/1) [KMnO4].
The spectroscopic data matched those reported in the literature.18

4. Intramolecular hydroalkoxylation: determination of yields

General procedure (small scale, NMR analysis): C-Undecylcalix[4]resorcinarene 1
(11.0 mg, 9.95 mol, 6.0 eq.) was weighed directly into a NMR tube. After addition of CDCl3
(0.50 mL), the mixture was homogenized in an ultrasonic water bath for 10 min at 40 C.
After cooling the clear yellow solution to 0 C, the substrate (16.6 mol, 10.0 eq.) was added
in one portion and the sample was immediately subjected to NMR spectroscopy to determine
the initial ratio between substrate and hexamer I (internal standard). Following the acquisition
of the 1H NMR spectrum, the NMR tube was kept at 30 C (1 C) using a thermostated
heating block made from alumina. The progress of the reaction was monitored via GC. For
this purpose, at specified intervals, a small sample (approximately 10 L) of the reaction
mixture was diluted with n-hexane (0.1 mL) and subjected to GC analysis. After full
S14

conversion of the starting material or complete equilibration, a 1H NMR spectrum of the

reaction mixture was measured in order to determine the yield of the reaction via integration.
All measurements were performed on a Bruker AV 500 spectrometer.
Multiple parallel hydroalkoxylations were conducted using a C-undecylcalix[4]resorcinarene
1 stock solution in CDCl3. The stock solution was prepared by homogenizing a mixture of Cundecylcalix[4]resorcinarene 1 and CDCl3 (less than full capacity) in a 1 mL-, 2 mL- or
5 mL-volumetric flask in an ultrasonic water bath for 10 min at 40 C. The volumetric flask
was then filled up to the calibration mark with CDCl3 and again homogenized by agitation to
give a clear yellow solution. Solid substrates and substrates with unknown density were added
as a stock solution in CDCl3 (20 L, 829 mmol/L, 16.6 mol). The small contribution of a
substrate with unknown density to the volume of the stock solution was neglected. In all cases
the amount of added CDCl3 was adjusted to maintain an overall CDCl3 volume of 0.50 mL.
Cooling the catalyst solution to 0 C prior to substrate addition only served to prevent
conversion between substrate addition and acquisition of the initial 1H NMR spectrum and is
therefore not needed for general synthetic application. In case of overlap of the water signal
with the product signal of interest, water saturated CDCl3 (0.2 mL) was added to the sample
to induce a shift of the water signal. After agitation, the sample was then again subjected to
NMR spectroscopy. The water saturated CDCl3 was prepared by adding distilled water
(25 L) to CDCl3 (5.0 mL). After mixing by agitation and allowing the mixture to equilibrate
for 30 min, the CDCl3-phase was directly used. Concerning GC analysis, the addition of
n-hexane (0.1 mL) to a small sample (approximately 10 L) of the reaction mixture results in
termination of the reaction in this sample.
For NMR analysis, the yields were calculated by employing the following equations (4.1 4.3).
n(sm)0 =

n(p)n =

(Ism )0
= x
(Ism )0,exp

(4.1)

(Ip )n
= z
(Ip )exp

(4.2)

z
yield(p) = ( ) 100%
x

S15

(4.3)

n(sm)0 = amount of starting material in the initial measurement; n(p)n = amount of product in
the n-th measurement (full conversion/equilibrium reached); (Ism)0 = integral of a
characteristic starting material resonance (usually olefinic proton resonance) in the initial
measurement, after normalizing an integral value of a hexamer I resonance (methine group =
24H, o-aromatic proton = 24H or CH2 group next to the methine group = 48H); (Ism)0,exp =
expected integral of the corresponding resonance assuming 10.0 eq. of starting material; (Ip)n
= integral of a characteristic product resonance (usually CH2 group next to oxygen) in the n-th
measurement, after normalizing an integral value of a hexamer I resonance; (Ip)n = expected
integral of the corresponding resonance assuming complete and selective conversion of
10.0 eq. of substrate to the cyclic ether.

Figure S1. NMR-based yield determination of the intramolecular hydroalkoxylation of substrate 3b. a) Hexamer I; b)
hexamer I + substrate 3b at t = 0; c) hexamer I + cyclic ether 4b at t = 1.5 d (the resonance left to the marked signal
represents water).

S16

If possible, multiple resonances were taken into account (e.g. Figure S1 b)). The calculated
mean values were then used for the equations.
General procedure (small scale, GC analysis): Cyclic ethers that could not be analyzed by
NMR due to signal overlap with the catalyst were analyzed by GC. For this purpose, Cundecylcalix[4]resorcinarene 1 (11.0 mg, 9.95 mol, 6.0 eq.) was weighed directly into a
NMR tube. After addition of CDCl3 (0.50 mL), the mixture was homogenized in an ultrasonic
water bath for 10 min at 40 C. After allowing the solution to cool to rt, n-decane (internal
standard) (2.59 L, 13.3 mol, 8.0 eq.) and the substrate (16.6 mol, 10.0 eq.) were added in
one portion and the mixture was immediately sampled. The small sample (approximately
10 L) was diluted with n-hexane (0.1 mL) and subjected to GC analysis (initial sample). The
NMR tube was kept at 30 C (1 C) using a thermostated heating block made from alumina.
The progress of the reaction was monitored via GC at specified intervals until full conversion
was observed. In order to precisely calculate the conversion and yield, GC-response factors to
n-decane as internal standard (IS) were determined for the investigated substrates and their
corresponding products. Stock solutions of n-decane, substrates and products were prepared
as described in Table S1, utilizing CDCl3 as the solvent. 20 L aliquots of n-decane stock
solution (166 mmol/L) were added to 20 L, 40 L or 100 L aliquots of analyte
(166 mmol/L). After dilution with CDCl3 to a total volume of 0.50 mL, analyte to n-decane
ratios of 1, 2 or 5 were obtained. For cyclic ether 6, 20 L aliquots of n-decane stock solution
(166 mmol/L) were added to 10 L, 20 L or 40 L aliquots of analyte (166 mmol/L). After
dilution with CDCl3 to a total volume of 0.50 mL, analyte to n-decane ratios of 0.5, 1 or 2
were obtained. The concentrations of analytes matched the range observed in the
hydroalkoxylation reactions.

S17

Table S1. Preparation of stock solutions.

Compound

Molar mass [g/mol] Density [mg/mL] Pure compound CDCl3 [L]

n-Decane

142.29

730

12.0 L

359

Substrate 3a

142.24

845

8.0 L

279

Substrate 5

296.54

856[a]

12.0 L

197

Cyclic ether 4a

142.24

5.695 mg[b]

242

Cyclic ether 6

296.54

4.299 mg[b]

87.4

[a] Determined as reported below; [b] measured on a M3P Sartorius microbalance.

The density of substrate 5 was determined by measuring the weight of defined volumes of
substrate 5 on a microbalance (Table S2).
Table S2. Determination of the density of substrate 5.

Substrate 5 [L]

Weight [mg]

Density [mg/mL]

4.0

3.421

855

6.0

5.166

861

50.0[a]

42.6

852

Mean value [mg/mL]

856 4.6

[a] Measured on a Sartorius CP224S balance.

Approximately 10 L of each sample was diluted with 0.1 mL n-hexane and subjected to GC
analysis. The response factors were calculated according to equation 4.4 and are listed in
Table S3.

RF =

(Ax CIS )
(AIS CX )

S18

(4.4)

RF = response factor; Ax = GC area of analyte; AIS = GC area of internal standard; Cx =

concentration of analyte; CIS = concentration of internal standard.
For GC analysis, conversions and yields were calculated by employing the following
equations (4.3, 4.5 - 4.8).
n(sm)0 =

(Asm )0
= x
RFsm (AIS )0

(4.5)

n(sm)n =

(Asm )n
= y
RFsm (AIS )n

(4.6)

xy
) 100%
x

conversion(sm) = (
n(p)n =

(4.7)

(Ap )n
= z
RFp (AIS )n

(4.8)

n(sm)n = amount of starting material in the n-th measurement; (Asm)0 = area of starting
material in the initial measurement; (AIS)0 = area of internal standard in the initial
measurement; (Asm)n = area of starting material in the n-th measurement; (AIS)n = area of
internal standard in the n-th measurement; (Ap)n = area of product in the n-th measurement;
RFsm = response factor of starting material; RFp = response factor of product.
Table S3. Response factors.

Compound

Substrate 3a

Substrate 5

Cyclic ether 4a

Cyclic ether 6

Cx/CIS

Ax/AIS

RF

0.835

0.84

1.708

0.85

4.325

0.87

2.031

2.03

4.116

2.06

10.525

2.11

0.718

0.72

1.436

0.72

3.560

0.71

0.5

0.935

1.87

1.936

1.94

3.896

1.95

S19

Mean value

0.85

2.07

0.72

1.92

General procedure (large scale, isolation): In order to characterize hydroalkoxylation

products not previously reported in literature and to obtain material for response factor
determination large scale reactions (8-30 NMR scale) were performed. In a general large
scale reaction, C-undecylcalix[4]resorcinarene 1 (330.0 mg, 298 mol, 6.0 eq.) was weighed
into a 25 mL round bottom flask, CDCl3 (15 mL) was added and the mixture was
homogenized in an ultrasonic water bath for 10 min at 40 C. After allowing the solution to
cool to rt, the substrate (497 mol, 10.0 eq.) was added in one portion and the flask was
sealed with a glass stopper (caution: small overpressure). The round bottom flask was then
kept at 30 C (1 C) using a thermostated paraffin oil bath until GC indicated full conversion
of the starting material. The mixture was subsequently poured onto a packed silica column
(SiO2 = 50 mL) and the CDCl3 was separated by washing with pentane (~50 mL). Following
this, the corresponding cyclic ether was eluted using a mixture of pentane and Et 2O. In all
cases, staining of the cyclic ether was performed utilizing vanillin stain (strong heating
required). Subsequent solvent evaporation under vacuum (800-850 mbar at 40 C) then gave
the purified cyclization product. For most substrates, a significantly reduced yield was
obtained due to the volatility of the corresponding cyclic ether. Isolation of the cyclization
product was performed for all substrates listed in Table 1 (see manuscript) except for
substrate 3b. For substrate 3b, the structure of the cyclization product was confirmed by
comparing the 1H NMR spectrum of the reaction mixture (see Figure S1 c)) with literature
data19 and by GC analysis (retention time shift).
The spectroscopic data of the cyclizations products 4a20, 4c20, 4d20, 4e21, 4f22, and 4h20
matched those reported in the literature.
3,3-Dimethylisochromane (4g)

According to the general procedure, C-undecylcalix[4]resorcinarene 1 (330.0 mg, 298 mol,

6.0 eq.) and substrate 3g (80.7 mg, 497 mol, 10.0 eq.) were dissolved in CDCl3 (15 mL) and
kept at 30 C for 6 d (full conversion). Flash column chromatography (pentane/Et2O = 1/0
20/1) gave product 4g (30.0 mg, 185 mol, 37%) as a colorless oil.
1

H NMR (360 MHz, CDCl3): [ppm] = 7.22 - 7.13 (m, 2H), 7.12 - 7.05 (m, 1H), 7.04 - 6.96

(m, 1H), 4.80 (s, 2H), 2.72 (s, 2H), 1.29 (s, 6H).
S20

13

C NMR (91 MHz, CDCl3): [ppm] = 134.1, 133.2, 129.3, 126.5, 126.0, 124.0, 71.0, 63.2,

39.9, 26.6 (2C).

HRMS (EI): calcd. for C11H14O+ [(M)+]: 162.1045, found: 162.1030.
IR (ATR): [cm-1] = 3064, 3045, 3023, 3005, 2972, 2928, 2896, 2869, 2834, 2712, 1604,
1586, 1496, 1454, 1425, 1380, 1366, 1339, 1284, 1255, 1212, 1193, 1181, 1127, 1106, 1079,
1036, 1004, 970, 881, 849, 774, 745, 734, 664.
TLC: Rf = 0.30 (pentane/Et2O = 20/1) [vanillin].
2,2-Dimethyloxepane (4i)

According to the general procedure, C-undecylcalix[4]resorcinarene 1 (330.0 mg, 298 mol,

6.0 eq.) and substrate 3i (63.8 mg, 497 mol, 10.0 eq.) were dissolved in CDCl3 (15 mL) and
kept at 30 C for 6 d (full conversion). Flash column chromatography (pentane/Et2O = 1/0
20/1) gave product 4i (39.0 mg, 304 mol, 61%) as a colorless oil.
1

H NMR (360 MHz, CDCl3): [ppm] = 3.57 - 3.49 (m, 2H), 1.66 - 1.44 (m, 8H), 1.16 (s, 6H).

13

C NMR (91 MHz, CDCl3): [ppm] = 75.2, 62.9, 41.3, 32.1, 30.0, 28.3 (2C), 23.1.

HRMS (EI): calcd. for C8H16O+ [(M)+]: 128.1201, found: 128.1206.

IR (ATR): [cm-1] = 2973, 2926, 2867, 2854, 1470, 1449, 1442, 1380, 1363, 1336, 1299,
1277, 1259, 1248, 1216, 1198, 1156, 1142, 1099, 1078, 1019, 997, 977, 957, 903, 841, 803,
696.
TLC: Rf = 0.29 (pentane/Et2O = 20/1) [vanillin].
6-Oxaspiro[4.6]undecane (4j)

According to the general procedure, C-undecylcalix[4]resorcinarene 1 (330.0 mg, 298 mol,

6.0 eq.) and substrate 3j (76.7 mg, 497 mol, 10.0 eq.) were dissolved in CDCl3 (15 mL) and
S21

kept at 30 C for 3 d (equilibrium reached). Flash column chromatography (pentane/Et2O =

1/0 20/1) gave product 4j (38.7 mg, 251 mol, 50%) as a colorless oil.
1

H NMR (360 MHz, CDCl3): [ppm] = 3.60 - 3.44 (m, 2H), 1.85 - 1.30 (m, 16H).

13

C NMR (91 MHz, CDCl3): [ppm] = 87.4, 63.7, 40.2, 39.1, 32.0, 29.8, 24.2.

HRMS (EI): calcd. for C10H18O+ [(M)+]: 154.1358, found 154.1359.

IR (ATR): [cm-1] = 2925, 2865, 2853, 2688, 1469, 1443, 1371, 1352, 1329, 1287, 1256,
1215, 1171, 1138, 1105, 1085, 1068, 1009, 974, 947, 901, 837, 806.
TLC: Rf = 0.33 (pentane/Et2O = 20/1) [vanillin].
The reversibility of 6-oxaspiro[4.6]undecane (4j) formation was proven by subjecting the
isolated ether to the standard reaction conditions described above. The cyclic ether 4j slowly
equilibrated to a mixture of 3j and 4j.
2-Dodecyl-2,6,6-trimethyltetrahydro-2H-pyran (6)

According to the general procedure, C-undecylcalix[4]resorcinarene 1 (330.0 mg, 298 mol,

6.0 eq.) and substrate 5 (148 mg, 497 mol, 10.0 eq.) were dissolved in CDCl3 (15 mL) and
kept at 30 C for 10 d (little conversion). Flash column chromatography (pentane/Et 2O = 1/0
50/1) gave product 6 (19.0 mg, 64.1 mol, 13%) as a colorless oil.
1

H NMR (360 MHz, CDCl3): [ppm] = 1.75 - 1.57 (m, 2H), 1.53 1.23 (m, 26H), 1.21 (s,

3H), 1.18 (s, 3H), 1.15 (s, 3H), 0.88 (t, J = 6.7 Hz, 3H).
13

C NMR (91 MHz, CDCl3): [ppm] = 73.3, 71.2, 43.9, 37.1, 34.9, 32.1, 31.6, 30.5, 29.9,

29.9, 29.9 (3C), 29.8, 29.5, 27.6, 24.0, 22.9, 16.8, 14.3.
HRMS (EI): calcd. for C19H37O+ [(M-CH3)+]: 281.2844, found: 281.2853.
IR (ATR): [cm-1] = 2971, 2924, 2852, 1467, 1370, 1349, 1223, 1123, 1015.
TLC: Rf = 0.34 (pentane/Et2O = 50/1) [vanillin].

S22

5. Reaction times
To ensure reproducibility, all substrates were tested multiple (2-3) times. The high selectivity
of the reactions was successfully reproduced. However, slight variations in the required
reaction time were observed, probably due to small variations in water content, reaction
temperature and concentration (evaporation of solvent when using a NMR tube as the reaction
vessel). The mean values of the reaction times are listed in Table 1 and S4.
Table S4. Mean values of the required reaction times.

Substrate

Mean value of reaction time [d]

3a

3.5

3b

1.5

3c

1.8

3d

3.4

3e

0.7

3f

0.7

3g

5.5

3h

1.9

3i

5.0

3j

5.0

S23

6. Control experiments
6.1 Blocked cavity
In order to verify that the reaction takes place inside the cavity of the hexamer, the conversion
of all substrates was tested in the presence of a competing high affinity guest molecule that
would act as an inhibitor by blocking the cavity. Based on previous reports23, tetrabutylammonium bromide (Bu4NBr) (2) was chosen as the inhibitor. Furthermore, it has been
reported that the acidity of the hexamer is increased upon encapsulation of Bu4NBr (2).23 This
improves the quality of the control experiment, since the background reaction outside the
cavity may even be increased when the inhibitor is encapsulated. For the control reactions a
small excess (1.5 eq. relative to hexamer I) of inhibitor 2 was used to ensure complete
blocking of all cavities.
General procedure (control experiment with Bu4NBr (2), NMR analysis): An aliquot of a
C-undecylcalix[4]resorcinarene 1 stock solution in CDCl3 (11.0 mg, 9.95 mol, 6.0 eq.)
prepared as described above was added into a NMR tube. After addition of an aliquot of
Bu4NBr (2) stock solution in CDCl3 (2.49 mol, 1.5 eq.), regular CDCl3 was added until a
total volume of 0.50 mL was obtained. Under agitation the sample was subsequently heated
using a heat gun to ensure complete uptake of inhibitor 2. After allowing the solution to cool
to rt, the substrate (16.58 mol, 10.0 eq.) was added in one portion and the sample was
immediately subjected to NMR spectroscopy to determine the initial ratio between substrate
and hexamer I (internal standard). Following the acquisition of the 1H NMR spectrum the
NMR tube was kept at 30 C (1 C) using a thermostated heating block made from alumina.
A 1H NMR spectrum of the reaction mixture was measured after approximately the average
reaction time (Table S4). The background conversion was then determined via integration of
this 1H NMR spectrum. The measurements were performed on a Bruker AV 360 and AV 500
spectrometer.
For NMR analysis, the background conversions were calculated by employing the following
equations (4.1, 4.7 and 4.9).
n(sm)n =

(Ism )n
= y
(Ism )n,exp

S24

(4.9)

(Ism)n = integral of a characteristic starting material resonance (usually olefinic proton

resonance) in the n-th measurement, after normalizing an integral value of a hexamer I
resonance; (Ism)n,exp = expected integral of the corresponding resonance assuming no
conversion of 10.0 eq. of the substrate;
General procedure (control experiment with Bu4NBr (2), GC analysis): If the background
conversion could not be analyzed by NMR due to signal overlap with the catalyst, GC
analysis was applied. For this purpose, an aliquot of a C-undecylcalix[4]resorcinarene 1
(11.0 mg, 9.95 mol, 6.0 eq.) stock solution in CDCl3 prepared as described above was
added into a NMR tube. After addition of an aliquot of Bu4NBr (2) (2.49 mol, 1.5 eq.) stock
solution in CDCl3, pure CDCl3 was added until a total volume of 0.50 mL was obtained.
Under agitation the sample was subsequently heated using a heat gun to ensure complete
uptake of the inhibitor. After allowing the solution to cool to rt, n-decane (internal standard)
(2.59 L, 13.3 mol, 8.0 eq.) and the substrate (16.58 mol, 10.0 eq.) were added in one
portion and the mixture was immediately sampled. The small sample (approximately 10 L)
was diluted with n-hexane (0.1 mL) and subjected to GC analysis (initial sample). The NMR
tube was kept at 30 C (1 C) using a thermostated heating block made from alumina. A GC
sample of the reaction mixture was taken after approximately the average reaction time
(Table S4). The background conversion was then determined utilizing the corresponding
response factor.
For GC analysis, the background conversions were calculated by employing the equations
above (4.5 - 4.7).
General remark: For the Bu4NBr (2) stock solution, a high dilution (~50.8 mmol/L or less)
was used in order to ensure complete homogeneity. Furthermore, to check the quality of the
C-undecylcalix[4]resorcinarene stock solution used for the control experiments, an aliquot of
it was employed in a parallel hydroalkoxylation reaction without inhibitor 2 and the reaction
rate was compared to previous measurements.
All substrates showed a significantly reduced conversion when exposed to the Bu4NBr (2)blocked cavity (Table S5).

S25

Table S5. Results of the control experiments with 1.5 eq. Bu4NBr (2) as inhibitor (NMR analysis).

Compound

Background conv. [%]

Time [d]

3a[a]

6.6

3b

8.4

1.5

3c

3.0

1.5

3d

8.2

3.5

3e

5.8

0.7

3f

7.6

0.7

3g

6.1

3.6

3h

3.8

1.5

3i

9.6

3.5

3j

3.7

3.5

8.2

13

[a] Analyzed via GC.

6.2 Without catalyst

Control experiments without catalyst were performed to rule out a background reaction,
catalyzed by trace amounts of HCl/DCl, potentially formed by photodegradation of CDCl 3.
The substrate (16.58 mol, 10.0 eq.) and n-decane (internal standard) (2.59 L, 13.3 mol,
8.0 eq.) were dissolved in CDCl3 (0.50 mL), kept at 30 C and analyzed by GC. No cyclic
ether formation was observed in all cases after 7 d.

S26

6.3 With Brnsted acid in solution

To further prove that the catalyst does not act solely as a Brnsted acid, the conversion of
substrate 3b in the presence of acetic acid (pKa = 4.8; in water)24 was explored. For that
purpose, an aliquot of a stock solution of acetic acid in CDCl3 (20 L, 83.0 mmol/L, 1.66
mol, 1.0 eq.), substrate 3b (2.47 L, 16.58 mol, 10.0 eq.) and n-decane (internal standard)
(2.59 L, 13.3 mol, 8.0 eq.) were dissolved in CDCl3 (0.48 mL), kept at 30 C and analyzed
by GC. No cyclic ether formation was observed after 9 d.

7. Competition experiment
The control experiments provided strong evidence that the reaction is taking place inside the
cavity. To provide additional evidence, a competition experiment between substrate 3a and its
longer derivative, substrate 5, was investigated. Both substrates were shown to display a
similar reactivity in solution.
Procedure for competition experiment in solution: To a solution of substrate 3a (19.0 L,
113 mol, 10.0 eq.) and substrate 5 (39.2 L, 113 mol, 10.0 eq.) in CHCl3 (3.4 mL) was
added n-decane (17.6 L, 90.4 mol, 8.0 eq.) as an internal standard. At this point, a sample
(approximately 10 L) was diluted with n-hexane (0.1 mL) and subjected to GC analysis
(initial sample). To start the reaction, TfOH (1.00 L, 11.3 mol, 1.0 eq.) was added and the
reaction was stirred at rt. The process of the reaction was monitored via GC. For sampling, a
small amount of the reaction mixture (approximately 10 L) was diluted with Et2O (0.2 mL),
washed with saturated aqueous NaHCO3 and subjected to GC analysis. After 7 h, the ratio of
conversion between substrate 3a and substrate 5 was determined to be 46:54, attributing an
even higher reactivity to the larger substrate in solution. The substrates were completely
converted after 2 d with the cyclic ether being the main product in both cases. In order to
minimize side reactions, the reaction was performed at a concentration that differs from the
standard conditions.
Procedure for competition experiment using catalyst I: C-Undecylcalix[4]resorcinarene 1
(11.0 mg, 9.95 mol, 6.0 eq.) was weighed directly into a NMR tube. After addition of CDCl3
(0.50 mL), the mixture was homogenized in an ultrasonic water bath for 10 min at 40 C.
After allowing the solution to cool to rt, n-decane (internal standard) (1.29 L, 6.63 mol,
4.0 eq.), substrate 3a (1.40 L, 8.29 mol, 5.0 eq.) and substrate 5 (2.87 mL, 8.29 mol,
S27

5.0 eq.) were added successively and the mixture was immediately sampled. The small
sample (approximately 10 L) was diluted with n-hexane (0.1 mL) and subjected to GC
analysis (initial sample). The NMR tube was kept at 30 C (1 C) using a thermostated
heating block made from alumina. The progress of the reaction was monitored via GC at
specified intervals until full conversion of substrate 3a was observed. After 64 h, the ratio of
conversion between substrate 3a and substrate 5 was determined to be 92:8 (Figure S2).

Figure S2. GC traces of the competition reaction with catalyst I. a) Measured directly after addition of the substrates; b)
measured after 64 h reaction time.

S28

8. Water content
In order to investigate, if the hexamer-catalyzed intramolecular hydroalkoxylation reaction is
hindered by an excess of water, C-undecylcalix[4]resorcinarene 1 (11.0 mg, 9.95 mol,
6.0 eq.) was dissolved in regular CDCl3 (0.50 mL) and water saturated CDCl3 (0.50 mL)
respectively. The water saturated CDCl3 was prepared by adding distilled water (25 L) to
CDCl3 (5.0 mL). After mixing by agitation and allowing the mixture to equilibrate for 30 min,
the CDCl3-phase was directly used. Both samples were subjected to NMR spectroscopy to
determine the water content via integration using the integral of the methine group (4.30 ppm,
t, J = 7.7 Hz, 24H) or the o-aromatic proton (6.11 ppm, s, 24H) of the hexamer I as the
reference. The water contents were determined to be 11 eq. and 30 eq. H2O/hexamer I. After
successive addition of n-decane (internal standard) (2.59 L, 13.3 mol, 8.0 eq.) and substrate
3a (2.79 L, 16.58 mol, 10.0 eq.), the mixtures were immediately sampled. Following this,
the reactions were kept at 30 C (1 C) for 24 h. GC samples of both mixtures were prepared
and the difference in conversion after 24 h was determined via GC analysis. The conversion
of substrate 3a was 5 times slower in water saturated CDCl3 than in regular CDCl3. However,
the water content did not significantly influence the selectivity of the reaction.

9. Substrate concentration
To explore the influence of substrate concentration on the reaction rate, different amounts of
substrate 3a (5.0 eq., 10.0 eq., 15.0 eq. or 20.0 eq.) were added to a solution of C-undecylcalix[4]resorcinarene 1 (11.0 mg, 9.95 mol, 6.0 eq.) and n-decane (internal standard)
(2.59 L, 13.3 mol, 8.0 eq.) in CDCl3 (0.50 mL). Immediately after substrate addition, a GC
sample was taken from each mixture. After 24 h at 30 C (1 C), a final GC sample was
taken from each reaction to determine the respective conversions. The conversions after 24 h
are summarized in Table S6, normalized to the conversion determined with 10.0 eq. of 3a.
Substrate concentration, however, showed no influence on the selectivity of the reaction.
Table S6. Influence of substrate concentration on the reaction rate.

Substrate 3a [eq.]

Relative conversion after 24 h

5.0

1.07

10.0

1.00

15.0

0.52

20.0

0.23
S29

10. Unreactive substrates

In order to further evaluate the scope of the hexamer I-catalyzed intramolecular hydroalkoxylation, substrates that require the formation of an intermediary secondary cation were
investigated (Figure S3).

Figure S3. Unreactive substrates.

Unfortunately, commercially available 4-penten-1-ol (15) and 4-hexen-1-ol (16) showed no

conversion under standard reaction conditions.
Furthermore, the formation of a macrocyclic ether within the cavity was probed using
hydroxy olefin 17. When substrate 17 was subjected to the standard reaction conditions, no
cyclic ether formation could be observed. However, the terminal double bond was slowly
converted to the thermodynamically more stable trisubstituted double bond as indicated by
GC and the 1H NMR spectrum of the reaction mixture. The synthesis of substrate 17 was
performed as described below.
12-Methyltridec-12-en-1-ol (17)

A mixture of 1-bromo-11-hydroxyundecane (600 mg, 2.39 mmol, 1.0 eq.), imidazole (488 mg,
7.17 mmol, 3.0 eq.) and tert-butyldimethylsilyl chloride (50% in toluene, 1.08 mL, 3.11 mmol,
1.3 eq.) in anhydrous THF (4.5 mL) was stirred at rt for 24 h. The solvent was subsequently
removed under vacuum and the residue was diluted with water and extracted with CH2Cl2
(3 30 mL). The combined organic phases were washed with brine, dried over Na2SO4,
filtered and concentrated under vacuum. Purification via flash column chromatography
(CH2Cl2) afforded the TBS-protected alcohol (868 mg, 2.38 mmol, 99%) as a colorless oil. To
a solution of the protected alcohol (365 mg, 1.00 mmol, 1.0 eq.) and anhydrous FeCl3
(16.2 mg, 100 mol, 0.1 eq.) in anhydrous THF (10 mL) was added dropwise a solution of
isopropenylmagnesium bromide (0.5

in THF, 4.00 mL, 2.00 mmol, 2.0 eq.) and

tetramethylethylenediamine (0.28 mL, 1.90 mmol, 1.9 eq.) over the course of 45 min at 0 C.
S30

After stirring for 30 min at 0 C, the reaction was carefully quenched with saturated aqueous
NH4Cl and extracted with CH2Cl2 (3 20 mL). The combined organic phases were washed
with brine, dried over Na2SO4, filtered and concentrated under vacuum. The crude TBSprotected hydroxy olefin was then dissolved in anhydrous THF (14 mL) and cooled to 0 C.
After dropwise addition of tetrabutylammonium fluoride (1.0 M in THF, 1.50 mL, 1.50 mmol,
1.5 eq.), the reaction mixture was stirred for 4 h at rt. The reaction was quenched by the
addition of water (50 mL). The crude product was subsequently extracted with EtOAc
(3 30 mL) and washed with brine. The combined organic phases were dried over Na2SO4,
filtered and concentrated under vacuum. After flash column chromatography (pentane/Et 2O =
5/1), hydroxy olefin 17 (131 mg, 617 mol, 62% over 2 steps) was obtained as a colorless oil
containing about 14% of inseparable undec-10-en-1-ol.
1

H NMR (360 MHz, CDCl3): [ppm] = 4.68 (s, 1H), 4.66 (s, 1H), 3.64 (t, J = 6.6 Hz, 2H),

2.00 (t, J = 7.7 Hz, 2H), 1.71 (s, 3H), 1.61 - 1.52 (m, 2H), 1.46 - 1.38 (m, 2H), 1.37 - 1.22 (m,
14H).
13

C NMR (91 MHz, CDCl3): [ppm] = 146.5, 109.7, 63.3, 38.0, 33.0, 29.8, 29.7, 29.7, 29.6,

29.6, 29.5, 27.8, 25.9, 22.5.

HRMS (ESI): calcd. for C14H29O+ [(M+H)+]: 213.2218, found: 213.2213.
IR (ATR): [cm-1] = 3320, 3074, 2924, 2852, 1650, 1457, 1373, 1056, 908, 884, 721.
TLC: Rf = 0.21 (pentane/Et2O = 5/1) [KMnO4].

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