Homo and heteroassembly of amide-based [2]rotaxanes using α,α’-dimethyl-p-xylylenediamines

The formation of [2]rotaxanes via a fumaramide-templated clipping reaction using α,α′-dimethyl-p-xylylenediamines is described. This process selectively affords two out of seven possible interlocked isomers due to a noticeable effect of the methyl groups on the in/out disposition of the amide CO groups.