Synthesis of cyclic peptide-based [2]rotaxanes via copper-catalyzed azide‒alkyne cycloaddition

Abstract

Cyclic peptide-based [2]rotaxanes were synthesized from cyclo(PG)4 and monocationic ammonium threads via copper-catalyzed azide‒alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) in achieving a relatively high yields of up to 36%. Cyclic peptides that do not contain bulky side chains or amino acids that induce the formation of cis amide bonds were found to be unsuitable for rotaxane synthesis. This innovative synthetic approach advances the development of multifunctional rotaxanes and opens new avenues for their application in various fields.