A Conjugated Covalent Template Strategy for All‐Benzene Catenane Synthesis.

Mechanically interlocked molecules based on oligoparaphenylene‐derived nanohoops, particularly those without heteroatoms, are synthetically challenging and topologically intriguing targets. Herein, a π‐conjugated covalent template strategy based on azo group has been developed, which features dual intramolecular macrocyclizations directed by a tetra‐substituted azobenzene core, followed by traceless removal of the azo linker. Employing this strategy, the efficient synthesis of a novel all‐benzene [2]catenane consisting of meta‐cycloparaphenylenes has been accomplished. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]