Macrocycle
Molecule with a large ring structure / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Macrocycles are often described as molecules and ions containing a ring of twelve or more atoms. Classical examples include the crown ethers, calixarenes, porphyrins, and cyclodextrins. Macrocycles describe a large, mature area of chemistry.[2]
IUPAC definition
Macrocycle: Cyclic macromolecule or a macromolecular cyclic portion of a macromolecule. Note 1: A cyclic macromolecule has no end-groups but may nevertheless be regarded as a chain.
Note 2: In the literature, the term macrocycle is sometimes used for molecules of low relative molecular mass that would not be considered macromolecules.[3]
It has been suggested that Macrocyclic stereocontrol be merged into this article. (Discuss) Proposed since January 2024. |
For the molecular effect giving increased stability to coordination complexes, see Macrocyclic effect.