Change in the rate of pseudo[1]rotaxane formation by elongating the alkyl-chain-substituted diphenylethynylene linked to permethyl α-cyclodextrin

•The k of pseudo[1]rotaxane formation showed different trends over three regions of flexible chain length.•The alkyl chains behaved as dampers or accelerators depending on their length.•The kinetics of pseudo[1]rotaxane formation are dictated by structure.•The findings guide the process of forming new host–guest complexes.