The thread–link–cut (TLC) approach has previously shown promise as a novel method to synthesize molecular knots. The modular second-generation approach to small trefoil knots described herein involves electrostatic interactions between an electron-rich bis-macrocyclic host compound and electron-deficient guests in the threading step. The bis-macrocyclic host was synthesized in eight steps and 6.6% overall yield. Ammonium and pyridinium guests were synthesized in 4–5 steps. The TLC knot-forming sequence was carried out and produced a product with the expected molecular weight, but, unfortunately, further characterization did not produce conclusive results regarding the topology of the product.

中文翻译：

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设计和合成双大环主体和客体作为小分子结的构建基块

以前，线切割（TLC）方法已显示出有望成为合成分子结的一种新方法。本文所述的小三叶结的模块化第二代方法涉及在穿线步骤中富电子的双大环主体化合物与缺电子的客体之间的静电相互作用。双大环主体以八步合成，总收率为6.6％。铵和吡啶鎓客体以4-5个步骤合成。进行了TLC结形成序列，并产生了具有预期分子量的产物，但是，不幸的是，进一步的表征并未就产物的拓扑产生决定性的结果。