Molecular Bows—Strained Bow-shaped Macrocycles
Yimin Liang, Min Tang, Zhichang Liu
Abstract
Strained bow-shaped macrocycles, namely, molecular bows (MBs), consist of a rigid π-conjugated unit (bow-limb) with a flexible chain (bowstring) under tension joining both ends. Because of their unique topology, MBs not only exhibit unique properties induced by bent bow-limbs, but also play a vital role in the construction of advanced materials, such as carbon nanotubes and catalysts. This highlight review surveys the history and recent progress in the synthesis and application of a wide range of MBs involving benzene, acenes, terphenylenes, perylene bisimide, porphyrins, pyrene, dibenzo[a,e]pentalene, and azulene, along with an overview of their general structural features and properties. Strained bow-shaped macrocycles, namely, molecular bows (MBs), are consisted of a rigid π-conjugated unit (bow-limb) with a flexible chain (bowstring) under tension joining both ends. Because of their unique topology, MBs not only exhibit unique properties induced by bent bow-limbs, but also play a vital role in the construction of advanced materials, such as carbon nanotubes and catalysts. This highlight review surveys the history and recent progress in the synthesis and application of a wide range of MBs involving benzene, acenes, terphenylenes, perylene bisimide, porphyrins, pyrene, dibenzo[a,e]pentalene, and azulene, along with an overview of their general structural features and properties.