All books

Professional

Apps About Coach Log in Start reading

Chemistry · Glossary

What is Mechanically interlocked molecules?

Also known as: mechanically interlocked molecule · rotaxane · catenane

Definition 25.18 University Chemistry — Year 3 · Chapter 25 — Supramolecular Chemistry

A mechanically interlocked molecule has parts that are not bonded to each other but cannot be separated without breaking a covalent bond. A rotaxane is a ring threaded on an axle with bulky stoppers at both ends; a catenane consists of interlocked rings.

Read in context →