Star-shaped molecule created after 25 year effort

A complex star-shaped molecule of interlocking rings has been created at the University of Manchester following a quarter of a century of research. The molecule, dubbed the Star of David, consists of two molecular triangles entwined about each other three times into a hexagram. The molecular triangles are threaded around each other at the same time the triangles are formed. The structure’s interlocked molecules are incredibly small, with each triangle measuring just 114 atoms in length around the perimeter. “Previously chemists had used tried to cyclise linear arrays of twisted molecules to try and make Star of David molecules. We used a process called ‘self-assembly’, which is like the way Nature assembles the DNA double helix, which programs the building blocks to spontaneously form the necessary twisted cyclic structure. Then we closed the loose ends to form the Star of David structure,” Professor David Leigh from the School of Chemistry told Laboratory News. The topology of the star – two rings crossing six times – was confirmed using NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and X-ray crystallography. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lj3iBGvikaE

Video credit: Robert W. McGregor www.mcgregorfineart.com

Leigh said there are many reasons to create such a molecule. Linking components at the molecular level could enable scientists to make molecular machines, or to make new molecular materials such as molecular chainmail. “The shells of some viruses are made from a chainmail made up of proteins,” said Leigh. “The chain mail structure makes them tough but very light. However scientists don’t know how to make such structures with man-made molecules yet.” “By interweaving molecular strands, like we’ve done to make the Star of David molecule, it may be possible to make plastics and other materials that are much tougher and lighter than current ones (such as kevlar that is used in bullet proof vests and body armour).” The molecule was actually created by PhD student Alex Stephens. “It was a great day when Alex finally got it in the lab,” said Leigh. A Star of David catenane