Heterobifunctional rotaxanes featuring two chiral subunits – synthesis and application in asymmetric organocatalysis

Abstract

Rotaxanes can serve as scaffolds for the generation of bifunctional catalysts. We have now generated acid–base functionalized rotaxanes featuring two chiral subunits. The mechanical bond leads to increased reaction rates and also to strongly altered enantioselectivites in comparison to the non-interlocked control catalysts.