We demonstrate that secondary dialkylammonium salts can thread through the cavity of benzo-21-crown-7 to form [2]pseudorotaxanes with binding constants (527-1062 M-1 in acetone) higher than the corresponding values (135-261 M-1 in acetone) of the analogous complexes with their traditionally used host, dibenzo-24-crown-8. Based on this new benzo-21-crown-7/secondary dialkylammonium salt recognition motif, a [2]rotaxane was successfully prepared. The formation of these threaded structures was confirmed by proton NMR spectroscopy, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, and X-ray single crystal analysis.

Based on the complexation between bis(m-phenylene)-32-crown-10-based cryptands and a paraquat derivative, two [2]rotaxanes were synthesized by using a threading-followed-by-stoppering method. Due to the strong associations between the cryptands and the paraquat derivative, high yields were achieved even in dilute solution.

No abstract

No abstract