Rare and Diverse Binding Modes Introduced through Mechanical Bonding

Any which way, but not loose: A range of diverse noncovalent binding interactions are observed with a [2]rotaxane (see structure) and a [2]catenane that are not found with similar but not mechanically interlocked fragments. (C (macrocycle) turquoise, other C atoms yellow, O red, N blue, H gray, F green, S orange.)