The self-assembly of [n]pseudorotaxanes
Abstract
An acyclic oligomeric polyether in which four tetraethylene glycol units are located between five hydroquinol rings, with the two terminal rings carrying benzyl ether groups, self-assembles in solution with one and two molar equivalents of a tetracationic cyclobis(paraquat-p-phenylene) macrocycle to afford, respectively and selectively, a [2]pseudorotaxane and a [3]pseudorotaxane.