Spontaneous resolution of a non-degenerate donor—acceptor [2]catenane

The incorporation of a 3,5-bis(methylene)-1H-1,2,4-triazole unit into the macrocyclic polyether component of a donor–acceptor [2]catenane induces selectivity in the isomerization processes operating within the molecule, since it exists both in solution and in the solid state as only one of two possible translational isomers, and, upon crystallisation, undergoes spontaneous resolution under racemizing conditions.