Synthesis of [3]catenanes based on metal-directed self-assembly and π-donor/π-acceptor interactions

A metal-directed self-assembly of [3]catenanes in combination with pi-pi interactions was investigated. Ligands based on 4,4'-bipyridinium or 2,7-diazapyrenium were used in conjunction with dioxoaryl cyclophanes (4-6) and trans-PdCl2(CH3CN)(2). The [3]catenanes show a dinuclear palladium 46-membered metallomacrocycle interlocked by two pi-complementary dioxoaryl macrocycles.