Selective and quantitative synthesis of a linear [3]catenane by two component coordination-driven self-assembly

Here we report the synthesis of a linear [3]catenane comprised of three interlocking rings, by coordination-driven self-assembly. Naphthalene-based acceptor A1 and triazole-based donor L1 were utilized for the self-assembly reaction, which facilitated the formation of linear [3]catenane topology through synergistic non-covalent intercycler interactions (π–π, CH–π and CH–N).