Molecular Catenanes, Rotaxanes and Knots A Journey Through the World of Molecular Topology

Molecular Catenanes, Rotaxanes and Knots A Journey Through the World of Molecular Topology J.-P. Sauvage, C. Dietrich-Buchecker (Eds.) 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 Willst+tter's speculative vision of a molecule consisting of two interlinked rings. But still today the synthesis of such structures are a challenge to the creativity of synthetic chemists. These molecules are certainly not only of academic interest, as they exist in nature. In molecules like 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 this field give a broad and impressive spectrum of the topology of these molecules, from theoretical aspects and new pathways in synthesis to the probing of their properties. All researchers working in this interdisciplinary field, organic, inorganic or polymer chemists, as well as material scientists, will welcome this comprehensive and state-of-the -art work as an inspiring source for creative research ideas.Sauvage, J. P. is the author of 'Molecular Catenanes, Rotaxanes and Knots A Journey Through the World of Molecular Topology' with ISBN 9783527295722 and ISBN 3527295720.