Communication—Semi-Rigid Ru(II)Porphyrinate-Based Macrocyclic Receptor as Endotopic Catalyst for Carbene Transfer Reactions

A 5,15-bis(1,1′-biphenyl)porphyrin-based macrocyclic receptor with a well-defined cavity is suitable for coordination of Ru(II) ions with carbonyl axial ligands. Axial ligand substitution reaction using diphenyldiazomethane as reactant affords a macrocyclic Ru(II)porphyrinate with a diphenylcarbene moiety that functions as an excellent endotopic catalysts for the dimerization reaction of ethyldiazoacetate. The extraordinary stability of the diphenylcarbene axial ligand in conjunction with the high reactivity of the Ru(II)porphyrinate moiety towards diazoderivatives render the macrocyclic complex a promising candidate for the active metal template synthesis of interlocked molecules.