Template routes to interlocked molecular structures and orderly molecular entanglements

This review discusses the synthesis of mechanically interlocked molecules w here templates orient the reactants to produce permanent structures as the result of new linkages. An introduction outlines the concepts and opportuni ties of the held, paying special attention to the components of chemical te mplates. Next, the chemical template types most successfully applied to the synthesis of new interlocked molecular structures, metal ion templates, hy drogen bonded templates, cyclodextrin templates, and pi-donor pi-acceptor t emplates, are described. The progress each template type has made towards t he goal of true polymeric interlocked structures is noted. The conclusion s ummarizes the current state of the field and points out new directions that appear ripe for future exploration. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rig hts reserved.