MOLECULAR MECCANO, 42 - MAIN-CHAIN AND PENDANT POLY([2]CATENANE)S INCORPORATING COMPLEMENTARY PI-ELECTRON-RICH AND PI-ELECTRON-DEFICIENT COMPONENTS

A main-chain poly([2]catenane), incorporating an average of 25 repeati ng [2]catenane units and having an M-n value of 35 kg mol(-1), was syn thesized by the polyesterification of a [2]catenane monomer composed o f a bipyridinium-based tetracationic cyclophane mechanically interlock ed with a 1,5-dioxynaphthalene-based macrocyclic polyether. Similarly, two main-chain poly(bis[2]catenane)s, both incorporating an average o f 15 repeating bis[2]catenane units and both having M-n values of 45 k g mol(-1), were prepared by the copolymerizations of a bis[2]catenane monomer, possessing two hydroxymethyl functions with an appropriate bi s(isocyanate). The same copolymerization was employed in order to prod uce a pendant poly([2]catenane), incorporating an average of 20 repeat ing [2]catenane units and having an M-n value of 27 kg mol(-1), from a [2]catenane monomer possessing two hydroxymethyl groups on its macroc yclic polyether component.