title: Nitrite-templated synthesis of lanthanide-containing [2]rotaxanes for anion sensing.
abstract: The first anion-templated synthesis of a lanthanide-containing interlocked molecule is demonstrated by utilizing a nitrite anion to template initial pseudorotaxane formation. Subsequent stoppering of the interpenetrated assembly allows for the preparation of a lanthanide-functionalized [2]rotaxane in high yield. Following removal of the nitrite anion template, the europium [2]rotaxane host is demonstrated to recognize and sense fluoride selectively.
authors.affiliation: Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA (UK).
authors.forename: Matthew J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Langton
authors.forename: Octavia A
authors.initials: OA
authors.lastname: Blackburn
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Lang
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Faulkner
authors.forename: Paul D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Beer
keywords: anion; lanthanide; rotaxane; supramolecular chemistry; template synthesis