SELF-ASSEMBLY OF A THREADED MOLECULAR LOOP

An efficient (71% yield) synthesis of a threaded molecular loop is described. The synthetic approach is notable in that it is a template-directed self-assembly process in aqueous solution. The structure of the threaded molecular loop is unprecedented since it is held intact solely by noncovalent interactions. The high yield, mild conditions, and convergent nature of the assembly process suggest that a variety of highly organized supramolecular entities can be efficiently prepared from appropriately designed subunits via noncovalent forces. © 1990, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.