Synthesis of a polypseudorotaxane, polyrotaxane, and polycatenane using 'click' chemistry

The synthesis of a polypseudorotaxane, polyrotaxane, and polycatenane containing the electron-deficient cyclophane cyclobis(paraquat-p-phenylene) (CBPQT(4+)) subunit in the side chain is described. These interlocked supramolecular polymers have been prepared from an azide-functionalized polystyrene derivative and an acetylene-functionalized [2]rotaxane, [2]catenane and their parent tetracationic cyclophane via Cu(I)-catalyzed 1,3 dipolar cycloadditions ('click chemistry'). The synthesis and characterization of the polymers and intermediates has been described using IR, H-1 NMR, UV spectroscopies, and voltammetry. We have shown that the CBPQT(4+) unit of the side chain polystyrene derivative has the ability to reversibly undergo complexation with a complementary dialkoxynaphthatene derivative. (C) 2008 Published by Elsevier Ltd.