Rotaxane axle as an effective scaffold: synthesis of functionalized [3]rotaxane and connection of the wheel components arranged on the axle

A [3]rotaxane consisting of a bis(sec-ammonium)-type axle and two functionalized dibenzo-24-crown-8-ether wheels was prepared in a good yield. The two point connection of the wheel components placed on the axle of the rotaxane was achieved by the Michael addition of hexanedithiol to the methacrylate CC bonds of the wheels to afford the corresponding [2]rotaxanes.