The Two‐Step Self‐Assembly of [4]‐ and [5]Catenanes

Advances through very specific techniques for template‐directed synthesis and analysis is the name of the game for oligo‐ and polycatenanes. Under high pressure and with the support of donor–acceptor association phenomena, it was possible to synthesize a [4]‐(schematic view shown here) and a [5]catenane. These chains—in the true sense!—are interesting starting units for a series of new polymers. Modern mass spectrometric techniques were essential for their characterization. (Figure Presented.)