Abstract A molecular trefoil knot, constructed around two copper (I) centres used as template (see figure), has been synthesized in 29% yield by the use of 1, 3-phenylene spacers between the phenanthroline subunits. Resolution has been achieved and the absolute configuration is given on the basis of an X-ray diffraction study.
![2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-9-[3-[9-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1,10-phenanthrolin-2-yl]phenyl]-1,10-phenanthroline Structure](https://image.chemsrc.com/caspic/152/159726-85-9.png)