What is a Mechanical Bond?

The Mechanical Bond

In this course Professor Steve Goldup (University of Southampton) introduces the mechanical bond. In chemistry you have likely come across covalent, ionic, and metallic bonds but the mechanical bond is much more niche with a mostly untapped potential. We begin by: (i) defining what a mechanical bond is, and some simple examples of mechanically interlocked molecules; then (ii) covering its discovery and history, as well as the initial method of its synthesis; before (iii) moving on to more developed techniques of synthesis; then (iv) discussing some of the applications of this new bond type in pharmaceuticals and engineering; and then (v) discussing how molecular “switches” can be designed using mechanically interlocked molecules; and then (vi) building on this to design more complex “motor” systems; before finally (vii) showing off the chemistry carried out by rotaxanes that behave like an artificial ribosome.

What is a Mechanical Bond?

In this first mini-lecture, Professor Steve Goldup discusses what a mechanical bond is, by first bringing up the types you have probably encountered before. Covalent, ionic, and metallic bonds are found all over your textbooks and studies, but the mechanical bond is far less understood, despite being found in nature as well. We discuss what it means for molecules to be mechanically bonded, as well as the fundamental types of mechanical bonds we have designed.