Tether-assisted Synthesis of [3]Rotaxane by Olefin Metathesis

Abstract The tether-assisted synthesis of [3]rotaxane by olefin metathesis is described. The bis(crown ether)s, in which two crown ethers are connected by a linker, were converted to tethered rotaxanes, followed by removal of the linkers to produce [3]rotaxane. The biscrown structures promoted the formation of the tethered rotaxane, resulting in a notable improvement in the yield of the [3]rotaxane.