KNOTS IN CHEMISTRY

This review introduces to the study of papers on the application of th e theory of knots to stereochemistry. Basic concepts of the theory of knots, links and tangles are introduced. Polynomial invariants of knot s which have important applications in chemistry are computed. Example s of synthesis of Mobius ladders by cyclization of polyether chains ar e quoted. Ribbon model of supercoiled DNA, and activity of topoisomera ses, are briefly described.