CO-2(CO)(6)-INDUCED DEFORMATION OF ALKYNES AS A REVERSIBLE MODULATOR OF SUPRAMOLECULAR INTERACTIONS - CONTROLLING THE SYNTHESIS OF CATENANES

Complexation of Co-2(CO)(6) clusters to the alkyne bonds of a hybrid c rown macrocycle alters the dimensions of the macrocyclic cavity such t hat inclusion complexation and catenane formation by catalytic ring cl osing metathesis is prevented; since removal of the Co-2(CO)(6) 'prote cting group' is readily achieved, this procedure provides a general me thod for modulation of supramolecular interactions.