Mechanically interlocked molecules consisting of radially conjugated macrocycles

Macrocycles serve as key building blocks for mechanically interlocked molecules. Incorporating novel macrocyclic motifs into interlocked topologies not only expands structural diversity but also unlocks emergent properties. This review summarizes mechanically interlocked molecules derived from radially conjugated macrocycles, highlighting their innovative structural designs and synthetic approaches. The construction of these molecules requires precise control over mechanical bond formations while resolving considerable molecular strain inherent in the conjugated skeletons. Since the first successful synthesis achieved in 2018, significant advancements have been made in this rapidly evolving field. Herein, we categorize these developments by molecular topologies, including catenanes, rotaxanes, and knots, providing a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art in this area.