Semirotaxanes and unsymmetrical rotaxanes from substituted benzylammonium salts and dibenzo-24-crown-8.

Three new hydroxyl-functionalized secondary benzyl ammonium salts were synthesized and complexed with dibenzo-24-crown-8. Three [2]semirotaxanes and then their two [2]rotaxanes each with two different stoppers were prepared successfully by reactions of the hydroxyl groups with bulky reagents. X-ray analysis of a single crystal of a [2]semirotaxane confirmed its structure. The formation of the [2]semirotaxanes can be reversibly controlled by adding KPF6 and 18-crown-6 sequentially. These new unsymmetrical [2]rotaxanes afford a way to prepare planar chiral rotaxanes and related supramolecular systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]