Synthesis of Unsubstituted and 4,4′‐Substituted Oligobipyridines as Ligand Strands for Helicate Self‐Assembly

A general strategy for the synthesis of oligobipyridine ligands 2 – 5 containing from two to five 2,2′‐bipyridine subunits, for helical metal complexes is described (sec Scheme ). Both the unsubstituted parent strands ( a series) as well as their derivatives bearing fester or amide functions in the 4,4′‐positions of the bipyridine moieties ( b – d series) have been obtained.