Cycloparaphenylene-based [2]catenanes: interlocking the carbon nanohoops

In this highlight, recent advances in the design and synthesis of novel cycloparaphenylene (CPP)-based [2]catenanes are presented. Through either a combined tether, template, and shadow mask approach or an active metal template approach, two novel CPP-based [2]catenanes have been successfully synthesized, which not only enrich the family of topologically complex nanocarbons, but also potentially widen the application scope of conjugated carbon materials, thus greatly promoting the creation of novel functional carbon materials for practical use.