Synthesis of thiophene-capped [2]rotaxanes

Two types of thiophene-capped 2]rotaxanes, i.e., bithienyl (2T)- and bis(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-yl (BEDOT)-capped 2]rotaxanes, were synthesized. The electron-deficient cyclophane of cyclobis(paraquat-p-phenylene) (CBPQT⁴⁺) was used as a macrocycle. Association constants for inclusion complexation of 2T- and BEDOT-derivatives with CBPQT⁴⁺ were obtained by ¹H NMR titration. Due to the donor-acceptor charge transfer absorption band, 2T- and BEDOT-capped 2]rotaxanes have red and green colors, respectively. On the basis of electrochemical analysis, we confirmed that only BEDOT-capped 2]rotaxane is a promising candidate for 3]rotaxane synthesis through oxidation coupling of the thiophene unit.