Möbius molecules with twists and writhes

Abstract

The Möbius topology inspired science and arts for many centuries. In chemistry interest was stimulated by Heilbronner almost 50 years ago when he predicted that Möbius annulenes would violate the Hückel rule. A number of theoretical papers followed but it was not until 2003 when the first synthesis of an aromatic Möbius structure was accomplished. Inspired by the recent progress, the concept of Möbius topology has gained further momentum in synthesis as well as theory. We present a topological description of Möbius molecules, and strategies for the design and synthesis of these structures.