Polycondensation versus metal template condensation of 2,2′‐ethylenedithiodianiline with glyoxal

Abstract

AbstractA polymer with azomethine linkages is formed upon reaction of 2,2′‐ethylenedithiodianiline (1) with glyoxal. The same reaction in the presence of Ni(II) and Cu(II) ions yields the corresponding metal complexes of the macrocyclic ligand. The driving force for the selectivity of this reaction may be attributed to the template effect of the metal ions. In the case of Co(II) ions, the polymer is formed as a by‐product, together with the macrocyclic complex.