ROTAXANE Meaning and
Definition
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Rotaxane is a chemical term used to describe a mechanically interlocked molecular structure formed by the threading of a macrocycle (a cyclic molecule) onto a linear molecular axle. This type of molecule consists of two key components: a macrocycle and a wheel-like molecule, often referred to as a dumbbell or axle. The macrocycle is typically a ring-like structure with a central cavity that is just large enough to accommodate the dumbbell. The dumbbell, on the other hand, consists of a linear chain-like molecule with bulky end groups that prevent it from leaving the cavity of the macrocycle.
The interlocked structure of a rotaxane is achieved through a process known as templated synthesis, where the assembly of the rotaxane is guided by providing a template that matches the shape and size of the desired macrocycle. The synthesis of rotaxanes requires careful control of reaction conditions and often involves the use of chemical bonds that can be selectively formed and broken.
Rotaxanes exhibit unique properties due to their mechanically interlocked structure. The mobility of the dumbbell within the macrocycle can be restricted, resulting in interesting phenomena such as switchable molecular machines or molecular shuttles. These molecular machines can be designed to respond to external stimuli, allowing for potential applications in areas such as nanotechnology, materials science, and drug delivery systems.
Overall, a rotaxane is a mechanically interlocked molecule made up of a macrocycle and a dumbbell-shaped axle, which showcases intriguing functional properties and has potential applications in various scientific disciplines.
Common Misspellings for ROTAXANE
- rotapane
- eotaxane
- dotaxane
- fotaxane
- totaxane
- 5otaxane
- 4otaxane
- ritaxane
- rktaxane
- rltaxane
- rptaxane
- r0taxane
- r9taxane
- roraxane
- rofaxane
- rogaxane
- royaxane
- ro6axane
- ro5axane
- rotzxane
Etymology of ROTAXANE
The word "rotaxane" is derived from a combination of two Latin terms: "rota" meaning wheel and "axis" meaning axle. It was coined in 1967 by Sir Fraser Stoddart, a Scottish chemist, to describe a new class of molecular compounds he and his team had developed. Rotaxanes consist of a dumbbell-shaped molecule that is threaded through a macrocycle, forming a ring-like structure with the dumbbell acting as the axle and the macrocycle as the wheel. The name "rotaxane" was chosen to reflect the spinning, or rotation, of one component (dumbbell) around another (macrocycle).
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