Formation of [3]Catenanes from 10 Precursors via Multicomponent Coordination-Driven Self-Assembly of Metallarectangles

We describe the formation of a suite of [3]catenanes via multicomponent coordination-driven self-assembly and host-guest complexation of a rectangular scaffold comprising a 90 degrees Pt-based acceptor building block with a pseudorotaxane bis(pyridinium)ethane/dibenzo-24-crown-8 linear dipyridyl ligand and three dicarboxylate donors. The doubly threaded [3]catenanes are formed from a total of 10 molecular components from four unique species. Furthermore, the dynamic catenation process is reversible and can be switched off and on in a controllable manner by successive addition of KPF6 and 18-crown-6, as monitored by H-1 and P-31 NMR spectroscopy.