Isomeric Self‐Assembling [2]Catenanes

Two para-, two meta-, or one para- and one meta-xylyl group as spacers A and B are found in the isomeric catenanes 1; the compounds with nonidentical spacers have now also been obtained by self assembly. The effects of minimal constitutional changes in the catenane components on the structure and dynamic behavior have been studied for the first time and may provide important information about the control of catenane properties.