Synthesis and Structure of Macromolecular Topological Compounds

The present review discusses, systematizes, and critically summarizes the results of investigations in the field of synthesis of macromolecular topological compounds (polycatenanes and polyrotaxanes). Since the chemistry of such polymers can be understood only on estimating the results of synthesis and investigations of their low-molecular-weight analogs, the review also systematizes recent advances in this field. Considerable attention in the review is paid to issues of synthesis and investigation of polyrotaxanes. These studies are concerned with the statistical synthesis (by Agam and Zilkha), directed synthesis (by Maciejewski), and synthesis with elements of directionality.