Fast redox-triggered shuttling motions in a copper rotaxane based on a phenanthroline–terpyridine conjugate

Fast shuttling motions in solution have been observed for a Cu-complexed [2] rotaxane, whose thread contains a bidentate 1,10-phenanthroline chelating unit directly connected through its 3-position to the 5-position of a tridentate 2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine.

Use of cleavable coordinating rings as protective groups in the synthesis of a rotaxane with an axis that incorporates more chelating groups than threaded macrocycles

A new methodology allowing preparation of a linear "unsaturated" [3]rotaxane consisting of an axis incorporating more coordination sites than threaded rings was developed. It was based on the preliminary synthesis of a "saturated" [5]rotaxane consisting of a four-chelating site axis threaded through four macrocyclic components, two of them being cleavable rings incorporating a lactone function and the two others being "secure" non-cleavable rings. The stoppering reaction was based on click chemistry. Subsequently, cleavage and removal of the two lactone-containing macrocycles from the [5]rotaxane in basic medium afforded the desired "unsaturated" [3]rotaxane in quantitative yield.