A double ring-closing olefin metathesis approach to [3]catenanes

A [3]catenane with peripheral olefinic macrocycles was conveniently synthesized via a double ring-closing olefin metathesis. Highlights of this work include the synthesis of a 65-membered macrocycle featuring two phenanthroline ligands, a Cu(1)-templated synthesis of a [3]pseudorotaxane, and the key double ring-closing olefin metathesis to afford the desired [3]catenane in 71% yield. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.