Bifunctional [c2]daisy-chains and their incorporation into mechanically interlocked polymers

A strategy for the formation of mechanically interlocked polymers is presented. Ring-closing olefin metathesis has been shown to provide a very high yielding route to [c2]daisy-chains suitably functionalized to allow their one-step conversion to bisolefins which can be used as monomers in ADMET polymerizations to afford mechanically interlocked polymers. Metathesis, in two different guises is making a hitherto unreachable goal in synthesis a reality.