Catalysts Encapsulated in Molecular Machines. Issue 12 (11th January 2016) - Pan, Tiezheng
Abstract: Smart catalysts offer the control of chemical processes and sequences of transformations, and catalysts with unique catalytic behavior can afford chiral products or promote successive polymerization. To meet advanced demands, the key to constructing smart catalysts is to incorporate traditional catalytic functional groups with trigger‐induced factors. Molecular machines with dynamic properties and particular topological structures have typical stimulus‐responsive features. In recent years, scientists have made efforts to utilize molecular machines (molecular switches, rotaxanes, motors, etc.) as scaffolds to develop smart catalysts. This Minireview focuses on the achievements of developing catalysts encapsulated in molecular machines and their remarkable specialties. This strategy is believed to provide more potential applications in switchable reactions, asymmetric synthesis, and processive catalysis. Abstract : Incorporating control : The unique stimulus‐responsive feature of molecular machines endows traditional catalysts with dynamic properties. Molecular switches, rotaxanes, and motors are utilized as scaffolds to construct switchable, stereoselective, and processive catalysts (see figure).