Supramolecular topologies in Chinese design

Under the covers

The latest cover in our series is inspired by a Chinese puzzle called Kong Ming Lock.

Supramolecular assemblies – complexes of molecules held together by electromagnetic interactions – are a fascinating area of research. Unlike a single molecule, the complex isn’t held together purely by covalent or ionic bonds. Instead weaker interactions – classified as non-covalent interactions – play a part. Because these interactions are weak, and dependent on various factors, they can give rise to 'moving parts' within the complex. Sometimes the complex can self-assemble into interesting or useful formations, and sometimes the moving parts can be harnessed to form tiny 'molecular machines'.

One such structure – first reported in 2004 by the group of Nobel laureate Fraser Stoddart, is the Molecular Borromean ring, which actually consists of three interlocking rings.

Guo-Xin Jin and his group from Fudan University, Shanghai, have developed a new method of precisely controlling assembly of these rings, which they have presented in their recent paper in ChemComm.

He explains: "These architectures, with their large cavities, may have potential future applications in encapsulating drug molecules or promoting catalytic reactions."