Dynamic Hydroxyl-Yne Reaction with Phenols.

Dynamic Covalent Chemistry (DCvC) has gained increasing importance in supramolecular chemistry and materials science. Herein we prove the dynamic nature of the exchange between phenols and vinyl ethers. Exchange is fast at room temperature and under mild conditions. The equilibrium constants and the electronic effect of the phenol substituents were calculated. This novel incorporation to the DCvC toolbox could be quite useful, and as a proof it was used for the synthesis of a responsive molecular cage.