Synthesis of a criss-cross overlapped tetrathiafulvalenophane and a topologically new [2]catenane

Using stepwise cyclization reactions followed by an intramolecular coupling., a criss-cross overlapped tetrathiafulvalenophane was prepared. The structure of the cis,cis isomer was elucidated by X-ray crystallography which revealed a host-guest complex with chloroform. This electron donor was used for the synthesis of a topologically new type of [2]catenane.