To elaborate the IUPAC interdivisional document on the nomenclature rules for naming rotaxane polymers. Work on this document was started earlier (project
2000-037-1-800) but was interrupted in 2004 to await the completion of the IUPAC recommendations for naming low-molecular-weight rotaxanes (project
2002-007-1-800). This was to avoid the appearance of discrepancies and inconsistencies in the rules proposed in these closely-related documents.
The recommendations published by the Commission on Macromolecular Nomenclature [
Compendium of Macromolecular Nomenclature. Blackwell Scientific Publications, Oxford (1991)] have dealt with regular single-strand organic macromolecules [
Pure Appl. Chem. 2002, 74 (10): 1921-1956], regular single-strand and quasi-single-strand inorganic and coordination polymers [
Pure Appl. Chem. 1985, 57, 149-168], copolymer macromolecules [
Pure Appl. Chem. 1985, 57, 1427-1440], regular double-strand organic polymers [
Pure Appl. Chem. 1993, 65, 1561-1580], irregular single-strand organic polymers [
Pure Appl. Chem. 1994, 66, 873-889], and non-linear macromolecules, and macromolecular assemblies [
Pure Appl. Chem. 1997, 69, 2511-2521].
The proposed document will provide recommendations for the nomenclature for macromolecular structures having a linear component that is encircled by, but not bonded to, a cyclic component (knotted structures will be excluded). As a class, these structures are called "macromolecular rotaxanes" or "rotaxane polymers". As far as possible, the principles of nomenclature established in the IUPAC Recommendations: "
Nomenclature for Rotaxanes" [project 2002-007-1-800] are to be followed in this document.