Advances in modelling switchable mechanically interlocked molecular architectures

Abstract

Abstract The development of switchable mechanically interlocked molecular architectures (MIMAs) is an active area of experimental and theoretical research because the environmental-responsiveness of these systems makes them desirable candidates for incorporation into molecular machines. Presented here is a review of the recent literature that reports theoretical and computational studies of these topologically complex systems. Modelling strategies that have been applied to switchable MIMAs are analysed and outstanding challenges to theory and computation are highlighted.