Molecular Machine Terminology
Artificial molecular machines (AMMs) are molecular-scale “devices” that, despite disagreements on how best to define them, dissipate energy and convert inputs to outputs in general, often in service of some prescribed function. The field of research on AMMs is reaching unprecedented levels of complexity with regard to the diversity of AMMs reported in the literature. As yet, there appears to be no consensus on the exact meaning of “molecular machine” and many associated words such as “molecular motor” and “molecular pump.”
The objective of the project is therefore to identify, review, and summarize the terminology that is used in the literature to discuss artificial molecular machines, including terms such as artificial molecular machine, molecular switch, molecular motor, molecular pump, and numerous others (pulleys, gates, transporters, walkers, muscles, drills, etc). There may be a need to consolidate and rectify terminological discrepancies in the literature associated with these frequently-used words because it leads to frequent confusion and unproductive debate among researchers in the field (see, for example, https://cen.acs.org/materials/Chemists-debate-fuel-molecular-machines/101/i5 and https://doi.org/10.1038/s41565-022-01247-5).
The major outcome of the project will be a Technical Report, with an overview of the terminology employed in the chemical literature on artificial molecular machines, potentially identifying the need for a unified nomenclature, and highlighting differences and similarities with the field of biological molecular machines. The Technical Report to be published in Pure and Applied Chemistry will provide the background for a prospective IUPAC Recommendation.
For more information and comment, contact Task Group Chair Carson J. Bruns <carson.bruns@colorado.edu> | https://iupac.org/project/2024-004-2-100/
©2025 by IUPAC & De Gruyter
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
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