Molecular machines for catalysis

The past few decades have seen tremendous progress in the synthesis and operation of molecular systems capable of controlled mechanical movement. Here, we review the use of molecular machines as catalysts for controlling chemical reactions. We highlight the various catalyst designs with a focus on how mechanical motion is used to control catalysis with varying degrees of success. This Review discusses the current challenges of designing effective catalysts, the scope and limitations of various systems and the future potential and aims for the field. Although it is difficult to predict which concepts will become most important, as much of the work is at the proof-of-concept level, it seems clear that molecular machines have the potential to substantially impact the field of catalysis.