2Pseudorotaxane formation between rigid Y-shaped 2,4,5-triphenylimidazolium axles and 24crown-8 ether wheels

A new templating motif for the formation of 2pseudorotaxanes is described in which rigid, Y-shaped axles with an imidazolium core and aromatic substituents at the 2-, 4- and 5-positions interact with 24crown-8 ether wheels (24crown-8 and dibenzo24crown-8). The Y-shape of the axle significantly enhances the association between axle and wheel when compared to simple imidazolium cations.