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"This book will serve very well to inform any chemist or chemistry student curious as to the workings of molecular topology and the molecular machines that depend upon it, and should be read by anyone seeking to enter these fields. The writing is elegant and at times playful-thoroughly enjoyable to read. This book will certainly occupy pride of place in my research group' library."  Jonathan Nitschke

“… a spectacular book! Many chemists will want to have it on their desks and regard it as the holy writ.” Josef Michl

“The story is told by THE inventor-pioneer-master in the field and is accompanied by amazing illustrations… [it] will become an absolute reference and a best seller in chemistry!” Alberto Credi

“… the great opus on the mechanical bond. A most impressive undertaking!” Jean-Marie Lehn

“I love the first chapter, and its romp through the mechanical bond.” Roald Hoffman

“… what a wonderful read… I thoroughly enjoyed the scientifically atypical perspective. A real pleasure.” Bruce Gibb

“… comprehensive coverage [and] exceptional top-quality graphics… this [is a] definitive book.” Paul Beer

"The Nature of the Mechanical Bond will open new horizons for generations of readers and will stimulate the creativity of many architects of matter who wish to design more and more fascinating molecular systems." Claude Millot

In molecules, the mechanical bond is not shared between atoms—it is a bond that arises when molecular entities become entangled in space. Just as supermolecules are held together by supramolecular interactions, mechanomolecules, such as catenanes and rotaxanes, are maintained by mechanical bonds. This emergent bond endows mechanomolecules with a whole suite of novel properties relating to both form and function. They hold unlimited promise for countless applications, ranging from their presence in molecular devices and electronics to their involvement in remarkably advanced functional materials. The Nature of the Mechanical Bond is a comprehensive review of much of the contemporary literature on the mechanical bond, accessible to newcomers and veterans alike. Topics covered include:
– Supramolecular, covalent, and statistical approaches to the formation of entanglements that underpin mechanical bonds in molecules and macromolecules
– Kinetically and thermodynamically controlled strategies for synthesizing mechanomolecules
– Chemical topology, molecular architectures, polymers, crystals, and materials with mechanical bonds
– The stereochemistry of the mechanical bond (mechanostereochemistry), including the novel types of dynamic and static isomerism and chirality that emerge in mechanomolecules
– Artificial molecular switches and machines based on the large-amplitude translational and rotational motions expressed by suitably designed catenanes and rotaxanes.

This contemporary and highly interdisciplinary field is summarized in a visually appealing, image-driven format, with more than 800 illustrations covering both fundamental and applied research. The Nature of the Mechanical Bond is a must-read for everyone, from students to experienced researchers, with an interest in chemistry’s latest and most non-canonical bond.

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