Orthogonal cation and anion template-directed synthesis of a heteroditopic [3]catenane for ion-pair recognition

Journal article

The first orthogonal template strategy for the synthesis of higher order interlocked structures is described. Orthogonal cation and anion templates were employed in a stepwise fashion to construct a hetero[3]catenane composed of structurally distinct macrocyclic components. Importantly, the [3]catenane contains two interlocked binding cavities tailored for cation and anion binding, enabling it to function as a heteroditopic ion-pair receptor. The co-conformational dynamics and cation/anion binding properties of the [3]catenane were investigated by 1H NMR studies, which displayed temperature-dependent and guest-induced changes in chemical shift and linewidth. The potent ion-pair binding capability of the [3]catenane was confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies, which showed the [3]catenane to recognise a sodium chloride ion-pair in a mechanically bonded receptor-separated ion-pair binding mode, wherein the two guest ions are encapsulated within their respective interlocked host cavities.

Authors: Tay, HM; Docker, A; Martínez-Martínez, AJ; Beer, PD

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry
• Journal: Chemical Science
• Publication date: 2026-04-02
• Acceptance date: 2026-03-27
• DOI: 10.1039/d5sc05942a
• EISSN: 2041-6539
• ISSN: 2041-6520
• Language: English
• Keywords: Template; Ion; Order (exchange); Construct (python library)