Synthesis of a novel poly[2]-catenane containing rigid catenanes

A novel poly2]-catenane containing rigid catenane subunits connected by semirigid spacers has been synthesized. This new macromolecular architecture is the second example of a polymer containing topological bonds in the main chain. The poly2]-catenane structure was proved by spectroscopic methods, especially ¹H NMR, IR and MALDITOF. The polymer is thermally stable up to 380°C and shows a high glass transition temperature of ca. 265°C.