A [2] Catenane Made to Order

Abstract

A template-controlled, one-pot reaction afforded the [2]catenane 1 in 70% yield. Compound 1 consists of π-electron-rich decaoxa[13.13]paracyclophane (empty circles) and an electron-deficient macrocycle made up of two paraquat p-phenylene units (filled circles). Dynamic 1 H NMR spectroscopy and cyclovoltammetry showed that 1 is highly ordered not only in the solid state but also in solution.