Studies towards the synthesis of Pd(II)-containing [2] and [3]catenanes in aqueous media

Here is reported the investigation of a synthetic route for the preparation of Pd(II)-containing catenanes in aqueous media. A pseudorotaxane intermediate was prepared, which can potentially be converted into a series of catenanes. From the pseudorotaxane, using a Pd(II)-driven clipping step a dinuclear [3]catenane was obtained in the solid state.