Molecular Topology: Catenanes and Rotaxanes

This lecture explores the world of molecular topology, focusing on the design and synthesis of interlocked molecules such as catenanes and rotaxanes. Starting with the definition and formation of catenanes, it delves into the transition from tetrahedral to octahedral templates for their synthesis. The formation and characterization of metallacatenanes are discussed, along with paraquat-based systems and cyclodextrin-based catenanes. The lecture then moves on to strategies for the synthesis of rotaxanes, including early approaches and examples like paraquat-based and cucurbituril-based rotaxanes. Knots, trefoil knots, Borromean rings, and DNA-based Borromean rings are also covered, highlighting their structural and symbolic significance.