Rotaxanes: intercomponent interactions and molecular movements

Rotaxanes are currently one of the most promising objects of study in the field of artificial molecular machines. A rotaxane molecule is composed by two or more molecular components that are connected by a mechanical bond. 51 years ago, the first synthesis of this type of molecules was performed, since then, there has been a great effort in obtaining new models to study its molecular movements and application as molecular machines. Here, we present an overview of intercomponent interactions in rotaxanes and how these interactions affect the major movements presented by this class of molecules. For this, different approaches to assess these interactions are discussed, both in solution and solid state. (author)