The Molecular Switches

We impart switching properties into our new mechanically interlocked molecule (MIM) systems. For example, a second recognition site can added to a simple [2]rotaxane to create a degenerate or bistable molecular shuttle. Simple rotaxanes with only a single recognition site can be altered to adopt multiple co-conformations. We then learn how to control the molecular switching.

For example:

[2]Rotaxane molecular shuttles employing 1,2-bis(pyridinium)ethane binding sites and dibenzo-24-crown ethers, Chem. Commun., 2000, 1939-1940.

Colour coding the co-conformations of a [2]rotaxane flip-switch, Chem. Commun., 2011, 47, 5991-5993.

Bis(benzimidazolium) axles and crown ether wheels: a versatile templating pair for the formation of [2]rotaxane molecular shuttles, Chem. Sci., 2012, 3, 3265-3271.