A [2]catenane comprising two intertwined aromatic (34π) octaphyrinoid rings with entangled magnetic shielding interactions is synthesized. Upon four-electron oxidation, the system converts to a tetracation with two globally antiaromatic (32π) rings, in which through-space bonding interactions diminish the antiaromatic destabilization. Counterions can also affect the (anti)aromaticity of the tetracations.
- Yuguang Sui
- Zipeng Wang
- Yong Ni
