The cyclo cocondensation of triethylenetetramine with arylpyruvaldehydes is templated by iron (III) chloride, to give a [12] aneN4 type diimine complex intermediate which may be reduced and demetallated in situ with sodium borohydride giving the saturated [12] aneN4 metal-free macrocycle in up to 60% overall yields; photophysical studies are used to demonstrate the similarity between the aryl functionalised [12] aneN4 derivatives formed ...
