A new building block technique based on cycloaddition chemistry for the regiospecific linking of alicyclic sub-units as a route to large, custom-functionalised structures

A new building BLOCK approach to synthesis has been developed where functionalised norbornenes (BLOCK A) are coupled with functionalised cyclobutene epoxides (BLOCK B) to produce A + B structures of defined geometry; use of a dual (spacer) BLOCK allows the formation of large structures where crown ether, ligand and redox centres are incorporated in similar or mixed pairings.