CuAAC "click" active-template synthesis of functionalised [2]rotaxanes using small exo-substituted macrocycles: how small is too small?

Abstract

Two "small" 22- and 24-membered exo-alcohol functionalised pyridyl macrocycles are exploited in the CuAAC active-template synthesis of [2]rotaxanes. The 24-membered macrocycle forms [2]rotaxanes in good yields while the smaller 22-membered macrocycle does not lead to interlocked products.