Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Stable DNA Motifs, 1D and 2D Nanostructures Constructed from Small Circular DNA Molecules
Published on: April 12, 2019
Anion-templated assembly of [2]rotaxanes
Mark R Sambrook1, Paul D Beer, Michael D Lankshear
1Department of Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, UK OX1 3QR.
Abstract:
Anion templation is used to develop a general method for rotaxane synthesis. The anion-templated synthesis of three new [2]rotaxanes containing positively charged pyridinium axles and neutral isophthalamide macrocyclic components is described. The incorporation of electron withdrawing substituents, such as the nitro group, into the 5-position of an isophthalamide bis-vinyl acyclic precursor results in a significant improvement in [2]rotaxane assembly yields. Rotaxane anion binding strengths are also enhanced whilst the rotaxane's unique interlocked binding domain ensures selectivity for chloride--the templating anion--is maintained.
Related Concept Videos
Chair Conformation of Cyclohexane
The hydrogen atoms linked to carbons are arranged in two different axial and equatorial orientations to achieve this staggered...
Conformations of Cyclohexane
The chair form is the most stable and derives its name from its resemblance to the “easy chair.” In the chair conformation, two carbon atoms are arranged out-of-plane — one above and one below, minimizing the torsional strain. In the chair form, the bond angle is very close to the ideal tetrahedral value,...
Cyclohexenones via Michael Addition and Aldol Condensation: The Robinson Annulation
Newman Projections
The organic molecules rotate across the single bonds leading to numerous temporary three-dimensional structures of varying energy known as conformers.
Thermal Electrocyclic Reactions: Stereochemistry
Selection Rules: Thermal Activation
Conjugated systems containing an even number of π-electron pairs undergo a conrotatory ring closure. For example, thermal electrocyclization of (2E,4E)-2,4-hexadiene, a conjugated diene containing two π-electron pairs, gives trans-3,4-dimethylcyclobutene.
Prochirality

