Makrotsüklik

Makrotsüklik refers to molecules that contain a large ring structure. These compounds are distinct from their acyclic or small cyclic counterparts due to their unique three-dimensional conformations and often altered chemical and physical properties. The size of the ring is generally considered to be greater than 12 atoms, though this definition can vary slightly depending on the specific field of chemistry.

The synthesis of macrocycles can be challenging. Intramolecular reactions are often employed to form the large ring, and achieving good yields can be difficult due to competing intermolecular reactions that lead to polymerization. Various strategies and specialized reaction conditions have been developed to overcome these synthetic hurdles, including high dilution techniques and the use of template effects.

Macrocyclic compounds are found in nature and have diverse biological activities. For example, many antibiotics, such as erythromycin and vancomycin, are macrocyclic lactams or lactones. These molecules often interact with biological targets in specific ways due to their size and shape, allowing them to act as enzyme inhibitors or transport molecules. Synthetic macrocycles are also of great interest in medicinal chemistry, materials science, and supramolecular chemistry, where they can be designed to selectively bind to guest molecules or to form complex self-assembled structures. Their applications range from drug delivery systems to artificial enzymes and sensors.