Collection 

Mechanically interlocked molecules

Submission status
Closed
Submission deadline

Mechanically interlocked molecules (MIMs) are permanently entangled molecular architectures that have captivated the interest of chemists within the intersecting fields of supramolecular chemistry, mechanochemistry and chemical topology. Mechanical bonds and interlocked structures are ubiquitous both in nature and in the macroscopic world. Prototypical examples of artificial systems are rotaxanes, catenanes and knots, as well as their higher-order and polymeric analogues. The design and construction of entangled systems at the molecular level constitutes a formidable challenge from a synthetic point of view, and the resulting architectures and mechanical bonds bring about many complex phenomena and emergent properties. Prominent examples include molecular machines and motors based on interlocked structures, wherein the precise control of the relative motion of the molecular components is enabled by the trade-off between spatial confinement and freedom of movement. This Collection will focus on:

1. Synthetic methods: We're interested in showcasing synthetic advances towards MIMs, including both new methods and the development of contemporaneous methods, particularly for the preparation of intriguing architectures. We welcome insights into the shift from traditional methods to precise template-driven techniques, especially those highlighting self-assembly and molecular recognition.

2. Modelling and characterization: We welcome theoretical studies on MIMs, as well as those focused on challenges and strategies for the characterization of interlocked molecules.

3. Applications and function: We aim to present work showing the diverse functions of MIMs. Contributions that highlight their use in areas such as nanotechnology, materials science, and medicine are particularly encouraged.

4. Current trends: We invite articles that address the role of MIMs in creating artificial molecular machines and motors, advanced stimuli-responsive systems, catalysts, and chiral architectures.

5. Looking ahead: Reviews and Perspectives on recent discoveries, current challenges, and the future potential of MIMs will also be considered.

Grey and red interlocked molecules

Editors

Jose Berna obtained his BSc and MSc degrees at the University of Murcia (Spain). In 2003, he completed his PhD working on phosphorus-functionalized bicyclic cage compounds. Currently, he is Professor of Organic Chemistry, member of the Synthetic Organic Chemistry Group, and his research interests are focussed on the synthesis of novel interlocked compounds for the development of new functional molecular machines.

 

 

Fredrik Schaufelberger is from Gothenburg, Sweden, and received his PhD from KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm. In 2017, he moved to the group of Prof. David A. Leigh at the University of Manchester with a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowship. After a research stay with Prof. Molly M. Stevens at Imperial College London, he took up a position as assistant professor at KTH Royal Institute of Technology. His group studies mechanically interlocked molecules for applications in biomedicine and biomaterials.

 

Serena Silvi got her MSc in 2002 at the University of Bologna with Prof. Vincenzo Balzani and in 2006 she earned her PhD under the supervision of Prof. Alberto Credi with a thesis on​ “Artificial Molecular Machines”. She is an associate professor at the Chemistry Department “Giacomo Ciamician“ of the University of Bologna. Her research activity is focused on the design and characterization of artificial molecular machines based on interlocked structures, photochromic compounds and photoactive molecular materials, and complex systems for signal processing.