Auf dem Weg zu makrocyclischen <i>para</i>‐Phenylenen

On the Way to Macrocyclic para‐ Phenylenes Strategies are presented to synthesize the hitherto unknown [O n ]Paracyclophanes 1 . Open chain belt‐type molecules based on 1,4‐connected carbocyclic six‐membered rings were prepared. Functionalization of the outer rings in 4‐position is the prerequisite for cyclization or lengthening of the molecular belts. In order to obtain the macrocyclic target molecules 1 , well preorganized cis ‐isomers of 1,4‐disubstituted cyclohexanes were prepared. X‐ray structural analyses reveal the static stereochemistry of the intermediates 8, 9, 17, 18 , and 24 . The macrocyclic hydrocarbon 29 containing five cyclohexylidene units was detected.