1,2,9,16,17,24-hexathia[2.1.2.1]-4,6,8,11,13,15,19,21,23,26,28,30-dodecamethyl-metacyclophane : A novel macrocyclic polysulphur compound by direct sulphuration of mesitylene

The synthesis of 1,2,9,16,17,24 - hexathia[2.1.2.1] - 4,6,8,11,13,15,19,21,23,26,28,30 - dodecamethyl - metacyclophane by direct sulphuration of mesitylene, the first report of a single-step synthesis of an aromatic macrocycle with alternating sulphide and disulphide linkages, is reported. Structure determination of this compound was achieved by mass spectrometry, and by reductive degradation to 3,3'-dithio-dimesitylsulphide and reoxidation of the latter to the original macrocycle. Some evidence concerning the probable pathway to macrocycle formation is reported.