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Molecular Shapes

Molecular Shapes

Molecules have characteristic shapes that are crucial for their function. The arrangement of various electron groups around the central atom dictates their molecular geometry. Electron pairs in the valence shell of a central atom will adopt an arrangement that minimizes repulsions between the electron pairs by maximizing the distance between them. The valence electrons form either bonding pairs, located primarily between bonded atoms, or lone pairs.
Two regions of electron density in a diatomic...

MO Theory and Covalent Bonding

MO Theory and Covalent Bonding

The molecular orbital theory describes the distribution of electrons in molecules in a manner similar to the distribution of electrons in atomic orbitals. The region of space in which a valence electron in a molecule is likely to be found is called a molecular orbital. Mathematically, the linear combination of atomic orbitals (LCAO) generates molecular orbitals. Combinations of in-phase atomic orbital wave functions result in regions with a high probability of electron density, while...

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Noncovalent Attractions in Biomolecules

Noncovalent attractions are associations within and between molecules that influence the shape and structural stability of complexes. These interactions differ from covalent bonding in that they do not involve sharing of electrons.
Four types of noncovalent interactions are hydrogen bonds, van der Waals forces, ionic bonds, and hydrophobic interactions.
Hydrogen bonding results from the electrostatic attraction of a hydrogen atom covalently bonded to a strong-electronegative atom like oxygen,...

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Cyclohexane does not exist in a planar form due to the high angle and torsional strain it would experience in the planar structure. Instead, it adopts non-planar chair and boat conformations.
The chair form is the most stable and derives its name from its resemblance to the “easy chair.” In the chair conformation, two carbon atoms are arranged out-of-plane — one above and one below, minimizing the torsional strain. In the chair form, the bond angle is very close to the ideal...

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Updated: Sep 1, 2025

Molecular Entanglement and Electrospinnability of Biopolymers

Molecular Entanglement and Electrospinnability of Biopolymers

Published on: September 3, 2014

Knotting matters: orderly molecular entanglements.

Zoe Ashbridge¹, Stephen D P Fielden¹, David A Leigh^1,2

¹Department of Chemistry, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.

Chemical Society Reviews

|August 18, 2022

Summary

Researchers are creating precise molecular knots by controlling strand crossings. These ordered molecular entanglements offer unique properties for advanced materials and drug delivery applications.

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Area of Science:

Supramolecular Chemistry
Nanotechnology
Materials Science

Background:

Macroscopic entanglements like knots are common, but achieving precise molecular knots at the nanoscale is challenging.
Randomly tangled polymers form complex mixtures, hindering controlled applications.
The field of molecular nanotopology focuses on creating ordered molecular entanglements.

Purpose of the Study:

To explore the synthesis and properties of discrete molecular knots with precise topology.
To highlight the potential applications of ordered molecular entanglements in various scientific fields.
To showcase advancements in molecular nanotopology and its impact on molecular design.

Main Methods:

Controlling the number, sequence, and stereochemistry of strand crossings to form specific molecular knots.
Developing general synthetic strategies for creating novel knotting motifs.
Investigating the properties and functions of these ordered tangle sequences.

Main Results:

Demonstrated the ability to synthesize discrete molecular knots with precise topology.
Identified that knotting imparts conformational restrictions leading to unique properties.
Observed potential for allostery, selective anion binding, and catalytic activity.

Conclusions:

Complex molecular topologies, particularly molecular knots, are becoming synthetically accessible.
These precisely engineered molecular knots have significant potential in molecular and materials design.
Knotting enables unique functionalities including chiral expression, drug delivery, and molecular mechanical functions.