Transition metal-complexed catenanes and rotaxanes in motion: Towards molecular machines

In the present review article, we will discuss a few examples of molecular machines elaborated from transition metal-containing catenanes and rotaxanes. After describing a fast-moving pirouetting rotaxane and a linear rotaxane dimer whose behaviour is reminiscent of muscles, we will mostly focus on light-driven machines, consisting of ruthenium(II)-complexed rotaxanes or catenanes as well as related non-interlocking compounds.