Stable pillar[5]arene-based pseudo[1]rotaxanes formed in polar solution

Abstract Mono-alkyl-functionalized pillar[5]arenes P1, P2, and P3 were synthesized by click reaction, which exhibited different self-assembly behavior in polar solvent DMSO. Stable pseudo [1]rotaxane was formed by the self-complexation from P1 or P2, whereas, concentration-dependent pseudo rotaxane structures were generated by P3 which bearing more flexible side chain. Interestingly, the obtained pseudo [1]rotaxanes exhibited a dynamic fast assembly process upon adding NaBF 4 , resulting in the formation of Na + -induced pseudo rotaxanes.