Fig. 6: Control experiments.

a The formation of 6 and the regeneration of 5; b the reaction of 5 and 12-crown-4 ether in toluene; c synthesis of 6 from 4 and PhLi.
a The formation of 6 and the regeneration of 5; b the reaction of 5 and 12-crown-4 ether in toluene; c synthesis of 6 from 4 and PhLi.