Insulated Molecular Wires: Synthesis of Conjugated Polyrotaxanes by Suzuki Coupling in Water

Abstract

Poly-para-phenylene polyrotaxane 1 is the first conjugated polyrotaxane. The naphthalene end groups prevent the β-cyclodextrin rings from slipping off the conjugated backbone in solution. The matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrum shows a series of oligomers, up to a [10]rotaxane.