Molecular catenanes, rotaxanes, and knots : a journey through the world of molecular topology

This journey through the fascinating world of molecular topology focuses on catenanes, rotaxanes and knots, their synthesis, properties, and applications and the theory of interlocking and interpenetrating molecules. Nearly one hundred years of progress have passed since Willstatter's speculative vision of a molecule consisting of two interlinked rings. But even today the synthesis of such structures are a challenge to the creativity of synthetic chemists. These molecules are not only of academic interest, since they occur naturally. In such molecules as DNA, knots and related topological features play a key role in biochemical processes. In addition, extensive research on the properties of polyrotaxanes and polycatenanes show potential applications as molecular magnets, wires or switches. Twelve international leading experts in the field present the broad and impressive spectrum of the topology of these molecules, from theoretical aspects and new pathways in synthesis to probing their properties. All researchers working in this interdisciplinary area, whether organic, inorganic or polymer chemists, as well as material scientists, will welcome this comprehensive and up-to-date work as an inspiring source for creative research ideas. Content: Chapter 1 Chemical Topology ? Statistical Musings (pages 1–6): E. Wassennan Chapter 2 A Knot Theoretic Approach to Molecular Chirality (pages 7–35): Erica Flapan Chapter 3 Soft and Hard Molecule?Based Magnets with a Fully Interlocked Three?Dimensional Structure (pages 37–55): Olivier Kahn, Lahcene Ouahab, Corine Mathoniere and Humberto O. Stumpf Chapter 4 Transition Metal?Incorporating Catenanes (pages 57–76): Makoto Fujita Chapter 5 Catenane and Rotaxane Motifs in Interpenetrating and Self?Penetrating Coordination Polymers (pages 77–106): Stuart R. Batten and Richard Robson Chapter 6 Molecular Knots ? From Early Attempts to High?Yield Template Syntheses (pages 107–142): Christiane Dietrich?Buchecker, Gwenael Rapenne and Jean?Pierre Sauvage Chapter 7 Organic Template?Directed Syntheses of Catenanes, Rotaxanes, and Knots (pages 143–176): Francisco M. Raymo and J. Fraser Stoddart Chapter 8 Amide?Based Catenanes, Rotaxanes and Pretzelanes (pages 177–222): Christiane Heim, Dirk Udelhofen and Fritz Vogtle Chapter 9 Polymer Chains in Constraining Environments (pages 223–246): J. E. Mark Chapter 10 Polycatenanes, Poly[2]catenanes, and Polymeric Catenanes (pages 247–276): Yves Geerts Chapter 11 Polyrotaxanes ? Syntheses and Properties (pages 277–321): Caiguo Gong and Hany W. Gibson Chapter 12 Synthetic DNA Topology (pages 323–356): Nadrian C. Seeman This journey through the fascinating world of molecular topology focuses on catenanes, rotaxanes and knots, their synthesis, properties, and applications and the theory of interlocking and interpenetrating molecules. Nearly one hundred years of progress have passed since Willstätter's speculative vision of a molecule consisting of two interlinked rings. But even today the synthesis of such structures are a challenge to the creativity of synthetic chemists. These molecules are not only of academic interest, since they occur naturally. In such molecules as DNA, knots and related topological features play a key role in biochemical processes. In addition, extensive research on the properties of polyrotaxanes and polycatenanes show potential applications as molecular magnets, wires or switches. Twelve international leading experts in the field present the broad and impressive spectrum of the topology of these molecules, from theoretical aspects and new pathways in synthesis to probing their properties Chemical topology was undoubtedly discussed for decades before serious laboratory efforts began.