Benzoimidazole-2-one based macrocyclic arenes: synthesis, and solvent-induced structural changes†

Abstract

This investigation reports the synthesis of benzoimidazole-2-one based macrocyclic arenes 1 and 2 by a one-pot condensation strategy via nucleophilic substitution reactions. X-ray crystallographic study demonstrates that cooperative hydrogen and halogen bonds interaction can control not only the cavity size of 1, but also the “tripod” and “chair” conformation of 2.