Insulated molecular wires: Synthesis of conjugated polyrotaxanes by Suzuki coupling in water

Taylor PN, O'Connell MJ, McNeill LA, Hall MJ, Aplin RT, Anderson HL

Poly-para-phenylene polyrotaxane 1 is the first conjugated polyrotaxane. The napthalene end groups prevent the β-cyclodextrin rings from slipping off the conjugated backbone in solution. The matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrum shows a series of oligomers, up to a [10]rotaxane.