Synthesis and characterization of poly[2]-catenanes containing rigid catenane segments

The synthesis and the structure elucidation by H-1 NMR and IR spectroscopy, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, gel permeation chromatography, and viscometry of two novel poly[2]-catenanes, composed of rigid catenanes connected by s emirigid spacers, are reported. The poly[2]-catenanes 4 and 5 differ by the geometry of the catenane units forming kinks between repeat units of angle beta approximate to 60 degrees and 150 degrees, respectively. The geometry of the catenane units governs the shape of the molecular weight distributi on, the conformational behavior, and the thermal properties of poly[2]-cate nanes 4 and 5.