Versatile synthesis of tunable N,S-bridged-[1.1.1.1]-cyclophanes promoted by ester functions

We report herein a powerful and highly adaptable metal-free organic synthetic route to functionalized N,S- bridged-[1.1.1.1]-cyclophanes using an ester-promoted macrocyclisation step. The newly synthesized cyclophanes are obtained in good yields exhibiting (i) high solubility, allowing the possibility to enlarge the scope and chemistry for such macrocycles, (ii) a tunable cavity and (iii) orthogonal functional groups.