Efficient Synthesis of Rotaxane Based on Complexation of Acetylene and Dicobalt Hexacarbonyl: Introduction of a Transformable Functional Group

An efficient end-capping method for preparation of rotaxanes by complexation of dicobalt hexacarbonyl and acetylene moiety of the axle end is described here. The end-capping reaction of pseudorotaxanes proceeds under mild conditions and furnishes the expected rotaxanes bearing a transformable functional group in high yield.