[6 + 6] Schiff-base macrocycles with 12 imines: Giant analogues of cyclohexane

Hexagon-shaped [6 + 6] Schiff-base macrocycles with 12 imine bonds are reported. These giant macrocycles possess 6 N₂O₂ coordination environments and mass spectrometry evidence for hexametallation of one macrocycle is provided. Semi-empirical calculations reveal two stable conformations with boat and chair geometries for the macrocycles metallated with Ni(ii), analogous to the conformations observed for cyclohexane.