Donor–acceptor molecular figures-of-eight

The intermolecular template-directed synthesis, separation and characterisation of two constitutional isomers that are self-complexing donor-acceptor [1]rotaxanes has been achieved by click chemistry, starting from a π-electron deficient tetracationic cyclophane containing two azide functions and a π-electron rich 1,5-dioxynaphthalene-containing polyether chain terminated by propargyl groups.