The template-directed synthesis of a [2]rotaxane

X-Ray crystallography, FABMS, and 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy have all been employed in the characterisation of a self-assembled [2]rotaxane composed of (i) a polyether chain intercepted by a centrally-located π-electron rich hydroquinol ring and terminated by admantoyl groups and (ii) a tetracationic cyclophane constructed by two π-electron deficient bipyridinium units linked by paraphenylenedimethyl residues. The full characterisation of a self-assembled [2]rotaxane is described.