Rotaxanes - Nanotechnology

What are Rotaxanes?

Rotaxanes are a class of molecular machines that consist of a dumbbell-shaped molecule threaded through a macrocyclic ring. The term "rotaxane" is derived from the Latin words "rota" (wheel) and "axis" (axle), signifying its structural components. These structures are stabilized by bulky end groups on the dumbbell, preventing the ring from slipping off.

How are Rotaxanes Synthesized?

The synthesis of rotaxanes can be achieved through several methods, including template-directed synthesis, slippage synthesis, and covalent synthesis. Template-directed synthesis often utilizes non-covalent interactions between the components to guide the formation of the rotaxane. Slippage synthesis relies on heating the components so that the ring can slip over the bulky end groups, while covalent synthesis involves the formation of chemical bonds to assemble the rotaxane structure.

Applications of Rotaxanes in Nanotechnology

Molecular Electronics
Rotaxanes are promising candidates for molecular electronics due to their ability to switch between different states, which can be harnessed for data storage and logic operations. Their mechanical properties enable them to function as molecular wires and switches in nano-scale circuits.

Drug Delivery
In the field of biomedical nanotechnology, rotaxanes have shown potential in targeted drug delivery systems. Their unique structure allows them to encapsulate and release therapeutic molecules in response to specific stimuli, which can improve the efficacy and reduce the side effects of treatments.

Nanomotors and Actuators
Rotaxanes can act as nanomotors or actuators, converting chemical energy into mechanical motion. This capability is valuable for the development of nano-scale machines that can perform tasks such as molecular assembly, transport, and sensing.

Challenges and Future Directions

Despite their potential, the practical application of rotaxanes faces several challenges. One major issue is the scalability of synthesis, as producing rotaxanes in large quantities with high purity can be difficult. Additionally, the stability of rotaxanes under physiological conditions remains a concern for biomedical applications. Future research is focused on improving synthetic methods, enhancing the stability, and exploring new functionalities of rotaxanes to fully exploit their capabilities in nanotechnology.

Relevant Publications

Lithium chloride selective ion-pair recognition by heteroditopic [2]rotaxanes.

Issue Release: 2024

Molecular folding governs switchable singlet oxygen photoproduction in porphyrin-decorated bistable rotaxanes.

Issue Release: 2024

Two- and Three-Spin Hybrid Inorganic-Organic [2]Rotaxanes Containing Metallated Salen Groups.

Issue Release: 2024

The End of the Beginning of Mechanical Stereochemistry.

Issue Release: 2024

Solution and Solvent-Free Stopper Exchange Reactions for the Preparation of Pillar[5]arene-Containing [2] and [3]Rotaxanes.

Issue Release: 2024

Mechanically Planar-to-Point Chirality Transmission in [2]Rotaxanes.

Issue Release: 2024

Heterobifunctional rotaxanes featuring two chiral subunits - synthesis and application in asymmetric organocatalysis.

Issue Release: 2024

Structure and dynamics of double-stranded DNA rotaxanes.

Issue Release: 2024

Ether Naphthotube Host-guest Complexes and [2]Rotaxanes with Dications.

Issue Release: 2024

The Final Stereogenic Unit of [2]Rotaxanes: Type 2 Geometric Isomers.

Issue Release: 2024

Modular Synthesis of Improbable Rotaxanes with All-Benzene Scaffolds.

Issue Release: 2024

Tuning Stopper Size in Multiresponsive [2]Rotaxanes for Fluoride Anion Selective Metastability.

Issue Release: 2024

Non-threaded and rotaxane-type threaded wheel-axle assemblies consisting of dinickel(II) metallomacrocycle and dibenzylammonium axle.

Issue Release: 2024

Cucurbit[8]uril-Mediated Supramolecular Heterodimerisation and Photoinduced [2+2] Heterocycloaddition to Generate Unexpected [2]Rotaxanes.

Issue Release: 2024

Active template synthesis.

Issue Release: 2024

Acid/base responsive pseudo[3]rotaxanes from amine naphthotubes and bis-pyridinium/isoquinolinium guests.

Issue Release: 2024

Directional Ring Translocation in a pH- and Redox-Driven Tristable [2]Rotaxane.

Issue Release: 2024

Nanohoops Favour Light-Induced Energy Transfer over Charge Separation in Porphyrin/[10]CPP/Fullerene Rotaxanes.

Issue Release: 2024

Dual Stimuli-Responsive [2]Rotaxanes with Tunable Vibration-Induced Emission and Switchable Circularly Polarized Luminescence.

Issue Release: 2024

Synthesis of Interlocked and Non-Interlocked Deca(para-phenylene) Derivatives by Ni-mediated Biaryl Coupling.

Issue Release: 2024

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