An Anion-Switchable Dual-Function Rotaxane Catalyst

Abstract

In situ switching of the associated anions of a rotaxane catalyst between Cl− and TFPB− exposes its dialkylammonium and imidazolium stations, respectively, thereby selectively catalyzing the reactions of a mixture of trans-cinnamaldehyde and an aliphatic thiol to yield the Michael adduct and the thioacetal product, respectively.