Interlocked molecules commonly include one (or more) monocyclic component — examples comprising bicyclic or tricyclic structures are much more rare and usually involve metal–ligand coordination or additional templates. Now, the dynamic self-assembly of twenty organic molecules in a one-pot synthesis has been shown to produce tetrahedral covalent cages, which interpenetrate during the process to form triply interlocked dimers.
- Tom Hasell
- Xiaofeng Wu
- Andrew I. Cooper