Exploiting recognition-mediated assembly and reactivity in [2]rotaxane formation?

Chemical Science Pub Date: 2016-01-15 DOI: 10.1039/C5SC04805B

Abstract

A small molecular reaction network exploits recognition-mediated reactive processes in order to drive the assembly and formation of both a self-replicating linear template (thread) and a [2]rotaxane, in which the linear template is encircled by a diamide macrocycle. Complementary recognition sites, placed at strategic positions on the reactive building blocks, drive these assembly and replication processes. Template-instructed experiments show that the thread is capable of efficient self-replication and that no cross-catalytic relationships exist between the thread and the [2]rotaxane. The rate of [2]rotaxane formation is insensitive to the addition of a preformed template, however, [2]rotaxane formation does show enhanced diastereoselectivity, most likely originating from its recognition-mediated formation through a ternary reactive complex.

Graphical abstract: Exploiting recognition-mediated assembly and reactivity in [2]rotaxane formation
Recommended Literature