Selective and quantitative synthesis of a linear [3]catenane by two component coordination-driven self-assembly

Here we report the synthesis of a linear [3] catenane comprised of three interlocking rings, by coordination-driven self-assembly. Naphthalene-based acceptor A1 and triazole-based donor L1 were utilized for the self-assembly reaction, which facilitated the formation of linear [3] catenane topology through synergistic non-covalent intercycler interactions (pi-pi, CH-pi and CH-N).