The rise and promise of molecular nanotopology

Abstract

Molecular nanotopology-a term we coined recently -is a rapidly developing field of research that is emerging out of the confluence of chemical topology with the mechanical bond. When perusing the increased research activities in this field, it is clear that a new discipline is ready to receive recognition in its own right. In this Mini-Review, we address the historical development of chemical topology and describe how the rational design and practical synthesis of molecular links and knots with mechanical bonds, together with interwoven extended frameworks, have led to the rapid establishment of molecular nanotopology as a discipline. Representative examples are highlighted to offer the reader an extensive overview of ongoing research. We spotlight the major challenges facing chemists and materials scientists and provide some indications as to how molecular nanotopology is going to develop in the years ahead.