threading component

initialism: TC
https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.13985
Molecule with at least one linear section onto which at least one macrocyclic component is threaded.
Notes:
  1. In the context of macromolecular rotaxanes, a threading component may be either a macromolecular chain with a linear section or a linear low-M molecule if a macromolecular component includes threadable ring(s).
  2. For a rotaxane, the word "linear" is to be interpreted broadly. The linear section of a threading component can be either an unbranched chain or a linear subchain of a branched chain or a network chain, or it can be a linear chain or subchain that includes small cyclic parts that do not prevent threading through a macrocyclic component.
Source:
PAC, 2012, 84, 2135. (Terminology and nomenclature for macromolecular rotaxanes and pseudorotaxanes (IUPAC Recommendations 2012)) on page 2144 [Terms] [Paper]