Factors affecting the threading of axle molecules through macrocycles: binding constants for semirotaxane formation

The threading of more or less linear axle molecules through macrocyclic molecules, a fundamental process relating to the formation of interlocked molecular structures, has been investigated through the study in acetone of the equilibrium constants for the formation of pseudorotaxanes by NMR methods. The 30 new axle molecules have in common a secondary ammonium group, present as the thiocyanate salt, and an anthracen-9-ylmethyl group, but are rendered unique by the second amine substituent. All rotaxanes involve the well known polyether macrocycle, benzo[24]crown-8. The constants for the binding of axles having linear groups ranging from 2 to 18 carbon atoms show little variation in binding constant but are divided into two groups by their equilibration rates. Those with less than five methylene groups react rapidly on the NMR timescale, whereas those having more than five methylene groups are slow. Branching inhibits binding, but the effect decreases as the branch is moved away from the amine. Phenyl groups weaken binding when close to the amine but strengthen binding when more remote. Some functional groups decrease pseudorotaxane stability (alcohol functions), whereas others increase binding (carboxylic acid groups).