A New Topological Class of Interlocked and Interwoven Nanocarbons via Dynamic C-C Bond Formation

Topologically complex molecules are poised to play a crucial role in the future of materials science, providing control over entanglement at the smallest possible scale. Discovery of new topological constructs and robust strategies for their synthesis are central to expanding the field. Here a new topological class of molecules, named perplexanes, are identified that contain an unusual combination of interlocking and interweaving that defies traditional topological descriptors. Two nanocarbon perplexanes are rationally synthesized in high yield using reversible zirconocene coupling of alkynes. This dynamic C-C bond formation facilitates entanglement under thermodynamic control, enabling the use of simple precursors without the need for strong templating or preassembly. This provides a new toolkit for assembling topologically complex nanocarbons that should be generalizable to a wide range of other topologies.