The advancements in the field of mechanically interlocked molecular systems (MIMs) has concurrently restructured the material chemistry frontiers and provided ample scope to explore new dimensions for applications and diversity creation. Among all these molecular entities, rotaxanes have a special locale and many research groups over the globe have contributed to their current niche in supramolecular chemistry. From refinements for better yielding synthetic strategies to their application oriented designs, this field has come a long way and is well inclined for further developments. In this review, we aim to document the contemporary developments in the synthesis of phenanthroline (phen) based rotaxanes. In addition to providing a comprehensive account of various subtypes of these rotaxanes and their stitching strategies, their applications, wherever discernible, will be duely highlighted.
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