Dynamic Covalent Chemistry for Synthetic Molecular Machines

Abstract

The success of the development of versatile synthetic molecular machines essentially lies in the advancement of better understanding of strong and weak inter- and intramolecular interactions. Recently, dynamic covalent chemistry (DCvC), which combines the thermodynamic reversibility of non-covalent interactions and the kinetic stability of covalent interactions, has emerged as a powerful tool for target-oriented synthesis of topologically complex molecules or diversity-oriented synthesis of dynamic constitutional libraries (DCLs). This chapter summarizes molecular machine-related DCvC in two categories: molecular machines that are assembled by DCvC and those that are operated by DCvC. It highlights some representative DCvC examples that have been recognized for their high efficacy and selectivity in the assembly of interlocked molecules, particularly these that can function as switchable systems. The chapter further summarizes molecular machines that utilize dynamic bond formation and breakage to govern the switching between different states. Finally, it offers a perspective on DCvC and molecular machines.