Highly Selective Construction of Unique Cyclic [4]catenanes ( 841 ) Induced by Multiple Noncovalent Interactions.

The synthesis of high-ordered mechanically interlocked supramolecular structures is an extremely challenging topic. Only two linear [4]catenanes have been reported so far and there is no defined strategy to obtain cyclic [4]catenane. Herein, two unprecedented cyclic [4]catenanes, 1 and 2, were prepared in high yields.

Triply Interlocked [2]catenanes: Rational Synthesis, Reversible Conversion Studies and Unprecedented Application in Photothermal Responsive Elastomer.

Triply interlocked [2]catenane complexes featuring two identical, mechanically interlocked units are extraordinarily rare chemical compounds, whose properties and applications remain open to detailed studies. Herein, we introduce the rational design of a new ligand precursor, L1, suitable for the synthesis of six triply interlocked [2]catenanes by coordination-driven self-assembly. The interlocked compounds can be reversibly converted into the corresponding simple triangular prism metallacage by addition of HO or DMF solvents to their CHOH solutions, thereby demonstrating the importance of π⋅⋅⋅π stacking and hydrogen bonding interactions in the formation of triply interlocked [2]catenanes.

Self-Assembly and Photothermal Conversion of MetallaRussian Doll and Metalla[2]catenanes Induced via Multiple Stacking Interactions.

A variety of organometallic supramolecular architectures have been constructed over the past decades and their properties were also explored via different strategies. However, the synthesis of metalla-Russian doll is still a fascinating challenge. Herein, a series of new coordination supramolecular complexes, including a metalla-Russian doll, metalla[2]catenanes, and metallarectangles, were synthesized by using meticulously selected Cp*Rh (Cp* = η-CMe) building units (E1, E2, and E3) and three rigid anthracylpyridine ligands (L1, L2, and L3) via a self-assembly strategy.