Here, we report on the multicomponent self-assembly and single crystal X-ray diffraction study of a series of three interlocked mixed valence monoand hetero-metallic [2]-catenanes made of [2 2] metallo-grids. They show unique structural features and highlight the essential roles of both the Cu(II)/Cu(I) pair and of the conformationally adaptable organic ligands for achieving catenation of grids.

Due to their well-defined three-dimensional geometry, spiro compounds are widely utilized in drug research. From the central tetrahedral carbon atom, besides the regular structure, an inverted spiro connectivity may be envisioned. Here we disclose the synthesis of this molecule class that we have coined quasi[1]catenanes. Next to their fascinating and aesthetic shape, the higher compactness as ...

The concept of (macroscopic) machine can be extended to the molecular level. A molecular machine can be defined as an assembly of a discrete number of molecular components (i.e., a supramolecular system) in which the component parts can display changes in their relative positions as a result of some external stimulus. Rotaxanes and catenanes are promising systems for the construction of artific...

Stereoisomerization and the unprecedented phenomenon of metal translocation in the absence of redox processes were probed in two inherently chiral bimetallic [2]catenanes by using a combination of variable-temperature (1)H NMR and CD spectroscopies, X-ray crystallography, and DFT calculations.

Among the growing collection of molecular systems under consideration for nanoscale device applications, mechanically interlocked compounds derived from electrochemically switchable bistable [2]rotaxanes and [2]catenanes show great promise. These systems demonstrate dynamic, relative movements between their components, such as shuttling and circumrotation, enabling them to serve as stimuli-resp...

Copper(I)-catalyzed Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition between terminal alkynes and azides – also known as the copper (Cu)-catalyzed Azide-Alkyne Cycloaddition (CuAAC) – has been used in the syntheses of molecular compounds with diverse structures and functions, owing to its functional group tolerance, facile execution, and mild reaction conditions under which it can be promoted. Recently, rotax...