Dynamics of the Interlocked Rings in a Water‐Soluble Radial [7]Catenane

ABSTRACT Large‐amplitude co‐conformational motions are a unique characteristic of catenanes and related mechanical interlocked molecules that underlie their applications as molecular switches and machines. Due to the challenging synthesis, precise incorporation of multiple macrocycles of different properties into a single [n]catenane and studies on the dynamics of the interlocked components are, however, scarce. In this work, a water‐soluble radial [7]catenane was obtained in one step in high yield (95% formation, 80% isolated yield). Dynamics of the four β‐cyclodextrins (β‐CD) and two cucurbit[6]urils (CB[6]) interlocked on a central macrocycle were also studied by variable temperature NMR. While the motions of the β‐CDs can be modulated by external stimuli, those of the CB[6]s are found to be unaffected.