A Conjugated Covalent Template Strategy for All-Benzene Catenane Synthesis.

Mechanically interlocked molecules based on oligoparaphenylene-derived nanohoops, particularly those without heteroatoms, are synthetically challenging and topologically intriguing targets. Herein, a π-conjugated covalent template strategy based on azo group has been developed, which features dual intramolecular macrocyclizations directed by a tetra-substituted azobenzene core, followed by traceless removal of the azo linker. Employing this strategy, the efficient synthesis of a novel all-benzene [2]catenane consisting of meta-cycloparaphenylenes has been accomplished.