Definition: Complex compounds in which a dumbbell shaped molecule is encircled by a macrocycle. They are named after rota (wheel) and axis (axle). Notation with a prefix is used to indicate the number of interlocked components. They have potential use in NANOTECHNOLOGY. Rotaxanes have been made with CYCLODEXTRINS and CYCLIC ETHERS.
coord with specific Cat D chemical structure term if pertinent; TAXANES is also available
See AlsoCatenanes
Other names Rotaxane; Pseudorotaxanes; Polyrotaxanes
