Dual Electroactivity in a Covalent-Organic Network with Mechanically Interlocked Pillar[5]arenes.

The synthesis and characterization of a polyrotaxanated covalent-organic network (CON) based on the association between the viologen and pillar[5]arene (P[5]OH) units is reported. The mechanical bond allows for the irreversible insertion of n-type redox centers (P[5]OH macrocycles) within a pristine structure based on p-type viologen redox centers. Both redox units are active on a narrow potential range and, in water, the presence of P[5]OH greatly increases the electroactivity of the material.