Mechanically interlocked molecular handcuffs

The field of mechanically interlocked molecules that employ a handcuff component are reviewed. The variety of rotaxane and catenane structures that use the handcuff motif to interlock different components are discussed and a new nomenclature, distilling diverse terminologies to a single approach, is proposed. By unifying the interpretation of this class of molecules we identify new opportunities for employing this structural unit for new architectures.

Automated summary

This paper reviews the field of mechanically interlocked molecules that utilize a handcuff component. The different structures of rotaxanes and catenanes that interlock different components using the handcuff motif are discussed, and a new nomenclature is proposed to unify terminology. By interpreting this class of molecules in a unified manner, new opportunities for employing this structural unit for new architectures are identified.