Synthesis of an ortho-Triazacyclophane: N,N′,N′′-Trimethyltribenzo-1,4,7-triazacyclononatriene

N,N′,N′′-Trimethyltribenzo-1,4,7-triazacyclononatriene has been synthesized via sequential palladium-catalyzed Buchwald−Hartwig N-arylation reactions affording the 9-membered triaza o-cyclophane in 35% overall yield. An X-ray crystal structure shows the new cyclophane to have a C₂-symmetric saddle conformation, as compared to the crown conformation exhibited by the related carbocyclic cyclotriveratrylene (CTV).