Modular Synthesis of Improbable Rotaxanes with All‐Benzene Scaffolds
An Bu, Jia‐Nan Gao, Yiming Chen, Hongyan Xiao, Hongwei Li, Chen‐Ho Tung, Li‐Zhu Wu, Huan Cong
Abstract
"Improbable" rotaxanes consisting of interlocked conjugated components represent non-trivial synthetic targets, not to mention those with all-benzene scaffolds. Herein, a modular synthetic strategy has been established using an isolable azo-linked pre-rotaxane as the core module, in which the azo group functions as a tracelessly removable template to direct mechanical bond formations. Through versatile connections of the pre-rotaxane and other customizable modules, [2]- and [3]rotaxanes derived from all-benzene scaffolds have been accomplished, demonstrating the utility and potential of the synthetic design for all-benzene interlocked supramolecules.