Covalent Template-Directed Synthesis: A Powerful Tool for the Construction of Complex Molecules

Area of Science:

• Organic Chemistry
• Supramolecular Chemistry
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Template-directed synthesis is key for complex molecule construction.
• Noncovalent templating is widely used, but covalent templating is less explored.
• Covalent templating was historically significant, enabling early catenane synthesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the 60-year evolution of covalent templating.
• To provide a practical toolbox for designing covalent templating strategies.
• To showcase the versatility of covalent templating in synthesizing complex structures.

Main Methods:

• Historical literature review of covalent templating techniques.
• Analysis of key studies and synthetic advancements.
• Compilation of design principles for covalent templating.

Main Results:

• Demonstration of covalent templating's broad applicability.
• Examples include synthesis of macrocycles and mechanically interlocked molecules.
• Successful application in creating linear and cross-linked polymers.

Conclusions:

• Covalent templating is an underutilized yet powerful synthetic strategy.
• The review provides a framework for developing novel covalent templating methods.
• This methodology enables access to a wide range of complex molecular architectures.