catenane

[ kat-n-eyn ]

noun

1. any of the class of chemical compounds containing two or more rings that are interlocked without being bonded chemically.

catenane

/ ˈkætɪˌneɪn /

noun

1. a type of chemical compound in which the molecules have two or more rings that are interlocked like the links of a chain

Word History and Origins

Origin of catenane¹

caten(a) + -ane

Word History and Origins

Origin of catenane¹

C20: from Latin catena chain + -ane

Example Sentences

Such a chainlike molecule is known as a catenane and Sauvage's team later developed ways to control the rings' rotation through each other. 

From Science Magazine

Dr. Sauvage took a big step toward their development in 1983, when he succeeded in linking two ring-shaped molecules to form a chain, called a catenane.

From New York Times