rotaxane

thumb|Graphical representation of a rotaxane thumb|Structure of a rotaxane that has a cyclobis(paraquat-p-phenylene)|cyclobis(paraquat-p-phenylene) [[macrocycle.]]

A rotaxane () is a mechanically interlocked molecular architecture consisting of a dumbbell-shaped molecule which is threaded through a macrocycle (see graphical representation). The two components of a rotaxane are kinetically trapped since the ends of the dumbbell (often called stoppers) are larger than the internal diameter of the ring and prevent dissociation (unthreading) of the components since this would require significant distortion of the covalent bonds.