Synthesis of tripodal [2]rotaxanes: high concentration principlet

Symmetrical and non-symmetrical tripodal 2]rotaxanes (1) incorporating 1,1'-disubstituted-4,4'-bipyridinium cations (2) and 34-crown-10 (3) have been prepared directly from 4,4'-bipyridine or from monocationic intermediates in high yields at room temperature and atmospheric pressure under conditions that permit the use of high reagent concentrations (0.1-0.2 M, 150-200 g(-1)).