Synthesis of a metal-free coordinating ring via formation of a cleavable [2]catenane.

We describe an efficient methodology which allows for the preparation of a macrocycle incorporating a free coordination site. It is based on a transition metal-templated strategy and RCM to provide access to a Cu(I)-complexed [2]catenane consisting of the desired cyclised compound and a cleavable ring. Release of the cleavable ring leads to the formation of the target macrocycle in quantitative yield.