Host-Catalyzed Cyclodehydration–Rearrangement Cascade Reaction of Unsaturated Tertiary Alcohols

The Brønsted acidic resorcin[4]arene hexamer can be applied as an effective catalyst in the dehydrative cyclization and subsequent rearrangement of unsaturated tertiary alcohols. This is the first report on catalyzing such a reaction with a Brønsted acid. Scope and limitations of this cyclopentene-forming reaction sequence are presented. Furthermore, substrate-selective conversion as well as competitive inhibition are described and provide evidence that the reactions proceed within the cavity of the self-assembled structure. Additionally, a cyclobutanone-forming intramolecular hydride transfer of an encapsulated cyclopropyl acetate is reported.