Synthesis of linear [5]catenanes via olefin metathesis dimerization of pseudorotaxanes composed of a [2]catenane and a secondary ammonium salt.

[5]Catenanes were synthesized by olefin metathesis dimerization. The reaction of pseudorotaxanes, which were derived from a [2]catenane and one equivalent of an ammonium salt bearing two terminal olefins in dichloromethane, with a catalytic amount of Grubbs catalyst afforded linear [5]catenanes in 12% yield. Intermolecular and intramolecular olefin metathesis reactions were controlled by the length of the alkyl chain of the ammonium salts.