makrocycle

Makrocycle is a term that appears in different disciplines but does not have a single, universally accepted definition. In many contexts it is a variant spelling of macrocycle, a word borrowed from chemistry that has been adopted into other languages with minor orthographic differences. The exact meaning therefore depends on domain and author.

In chemistry, macrocycle usually refers to a large ring-shaped molecule formed by linking multiple building blocks into a closed loop. Macrocycles are typically defined by rings containing 12 or more atoms and are noted for their preorganized cavities capable of binding specific ions or other molecules. Classic examples include crown ethers, porphyrins, calixarenes, and cyclodextrins. The term Makrocycle may appear in some non-English publications as an alternative spelling, but macrocycle remains the standard in English-language literature. Macrocycles find applications in catalysis, molecular recognition, drug delivery, and sensing, due to their structural rigidity and selective binding properties.

In non-chemical contexts, some authors use makrocycle or macrocycle to describe long-term, large-scale cyclical processes—for example in ecology or economics—though such usage is informal and not standardized.

Etymology: from macro- 'large' and cycle; variant spellings reflect transcription into different languages. See also macrocycle (chemistry), host–guest chemistry, macrocyclic compounds.