Supramolecular catenane chemistry based on crown ether derivatives

Abstract

Catenanes, as one kind of the basic mechanically interlocked superstructures, have drawn considerable attentior from the scientific community, not only because of their topological importance and unique properties, but also due to theii potential for applications in artificial molecular machines and functional nanomaterials. Template-directed protocols have facilitated the efficient preparations of various kinds of catenanes. Thereinto, as the first macrocyclic host, crown ether derivatives have been widely used to prepare catenanes. Therefore, the development of supramolecular catenane chemistry based or crown ether derivatives is systematically addressed.