Twistcatalyzed

Twistcatalyzed refers to a proposed class of catalytic processes in which a torsional or twist motion—in the catalyst, the substrate, or the catalytic complex—plays a central role in promoting the reaction. In these systems, the rate-determining steps or the selectivity are governed by conformational twisting that aligns reactive bonds or stabilizes transition states, often via chiral, helical, or mechanically interlocked environments.

Mechanistically, twistcatalysis emphasizes dynamic conformational control as a driver of reactivity. Features may include induced twist in substrate geometry, the use of helically shaped ligands or catalysts, and the employment of mechanically interlocked molecules that impose a preferred torsion during the catalytic cycle. The approach seeks to exploit torsional strain and motion to lower activation barriers or to bias the reaction pathway toward a desired stereochemical outcome.

Examples and status in the literature are varied and often exploratory. Some reports describe helically twisted ligands or rotaxane-based catalysts that impart a twist to substrates, enabling enantioselective bond formation or unconventional transition states. The concept overlaps with dynamic catalysis and mechanical catalysis, and it is discussed as a complement to static, rigid active sites. At present, there is no universal definition or broad consensus, and twistcatalysis remains an emerging area with results that are context-dependent and in need of broader validation.

Applications and challenges exist in areas such as asymmetric synthesis, polymerization, and materials chemistry, where controlled twisting may offer access to novel stereochemical outcomes or reactivities. Key challenges include achieving robust, predictable control of torsional motion, integrating dynamic behavior into reliable catalyst designs, and establishing general design principles linking torsion to catalytic performance.