The Power of the Mechanical Bond

Abstract

In this issue of Chem, Stoddart and co-workers present a strategy for preparing positively charged catenanes bearing %7.3 charges per cubic nanometer through a templation approach. Using Cu as both a reducing agent and catalyst, they produced an enthapically and entropically demanding 12+ charged [3]catenane and 24+ charged [5]catenane.

Electrochemical switching in mechanically interlocked molecules (MIMs)

“…[165][166][167][168][169] The use of the mechanical bond in materials research has just recently begun to take off. 170 However, chemists have tried these mechanically interlocked molecules, i.e., rotaxanes and catenanes for applications such as nanomotors, etc. where precise molecular level control has been achieved.…”

Self-assembled poly[2]catenanes based on non-covalent and dynamic covalent bonds

“…Mechanically interlocked polymers (MIPs) [1][2][3] showcase an appealing frontier in polymer science, where the presence of the mechanical bond 4,5 facilitates unparalleled ranges of motion within the polymer architecture. Notably, they feature dynamics where contained macrocyclic components are interlinked via non-covalent bonds.…”