Lewis JE. M, Winn J, Cera L, Goldup SM * University of Southampton and Queen Mary
University of London, UK
Iterative Synthesis of Oligo[
n]rotaxanes in Excellent Yield.
J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2016;
138: 16329-16336
Key words
oligorotaxanes - iterative synthesis - AT-CuAAC
Significance
Molecular motors are prime candidates in the development of new materials and sensors.
The rotaxane structure has been shown to be able to act as a molecular muscle or molecular
computer chip, for which Fraser Stoddart was awarded the 2016 Nobel Prize. The authors
demonstrate an iterative synthesis yielding oligorotaxanes in high yields.
Comment
Given the immense importance of rotaxanes, iterative syntheses and their ability to
automate syntheses are vital for the widespread application of molecular motors such
as rotaxanes. The approach involves an active template copper-mediated alkyne–azide
cycloaddition (AT-CuAAC) and is applicable to homo- and hetero[n]rotaxanes.
