What is Thorpe-Ziegler method?
The Thorpe-Ziegler method, also known as the Ziegler method, is a process for the synthesis of macrocyclic ketones by the cyclization of dinitriles in the presence of an ether-soluble metal alkylanilide and a dialkyl ether solvent. The resulting imino-nitrile is then hydrolyzed to yield the desired macrocyclic ketone. The reaction yield is influenced by the ring size of the product and is typically performed at high dilution.
References
Ziegler, K., Eberle, H. and Ohlinger, H. (1933), Über vielgliedrige Ringsysteme. I. Die präparativ ergiebige Synthese der Polymethylenketone mit mehr als 6 Ringgliedern. [On multi-membered ring systems. I. The preparatively productive synthesis of polymethylene ketones with more than 6 ring members.] Justus Liebigs Ann. Chem., 504: 94-130. https://doi.org/10.1002/jlac.19335040109
Full Professor of Organic Chemistry at the University of Granada, with a long-standing research career in Computational Chemistry and molecular modeling and design.