University Chemistry ›› 2017, Vol. 32 ›› Issue (1): 1-8.doi: 10.3866/PKU.DXHX201612012

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A Brief Introduction to 2016 Nobel Prize in Chemistry: Molecular Machines

Chu-Yang CHENG*()   

  • Published:2017-01-13
  • Contact: Chu-Yang CHENG E-mail:chengcy@u.northwestern.edu

Abstract:

The 2016 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to Jean-Pierre Sauvage, Fraser Stoddard and Ben Feringa to recognize their extraordinary contribution for design and synthesis of molecular machines. Molecular machines are small molecules mimic either natural macromolecular machines or mechanicals in the macroscopic world. Scientists design these small molecules containing movable parts and construct them via organic reactions, achieving precise manipulation at the molecular level. Although there are still no practical applications ofmolecularmachines today, it brings infinite possibilities to our future.

Key words: Molecular machines, Molecular switches, Molecular motors, Nobel Prize