A [2]-catenane whose rings incorporate two differently metallated porphyrins

A [2]-catenane made with Zn(II) and Au(III) porphyrin-incorporating marcrocycles has been synthesized using the transition metal templated technique, starting from either preformed Au or Zn porphyrin-containing macrocycles. The highest yield (11.5%) was obtained in the latter case. Removal of the copper(I) template metal afforded the free [2]-catenane, whose 1H-NMR properties differ dramatically from those of the parent Cu(I) complex, suggesting a changeover in the molecular structure upon demetallation.