Macromolecular Topology Engineering

Topology is an intriguing topic in chemistry and an important molecular attribute for macromolecules. Herein, we discuss the concept of topology in different contexts to clarify the meaning and scope of macromolecular topology. The beauty and complexity of macromolecular topology is recognized and presented. Relevant advances in the syntheses and structure–property relationship of topological polymers are summarized. Among them, assembly-reaction synergy has emerged as a particularly powerful approach to prepare topological polymers. Indeed, these topologically nontrivial macromolecules exhibit unique properties not found in their linear counterparts. Current challenges and prospects are then discussed, pointing to a growing dynamic field of macromolecular topology engineering.