A Molecular Machine Directs the Synthesis of a Rotaxane.

ABSTRACT: Preorganization by assembly or templating strategies is frequently used in the synthesis of rotaxanes. While these approaches have led to complex interlocked molecules, they are often limited by strict compositional requirements of templates and starting materials. Here, we use a molecular machine to direct the synthesis of a rotaxane by active shaping of starting materials through mechanical winding. Light induced rotation of a molecular motor actively winds a molecular strand around an axle, forming discrete, thermodynamically disfavored crossings between these two parts. Covalent capture preserves the kinetically stable entanglements, transforming the strand into a macrocycle that is subsequently released and mechanically trapped on the axle, yielding a rotaxane. Our machine-directed st

SUBMITTER: Kluifhooft R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12759215 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature