Controlling Dual Molecular Pumps Electrochemically

Angew Chem Int Ed Engl. 2018 Jul 20;57(30):9325-9329. doi: 10.1002/anie.201803848. Epub 2018 Jun 28.

Abstract

Artificial molecular machines can be operated using either physical or chemical inputs. Light-powered motors display clean and autonomous operations, whereas chemically driven machines generate waste products and are intermittent in their motions. Herein, we show that controlled changes in applied electrochemical potentials can drive the operation of artificial molecular pumps in a semi-autonomous manner-that is, without the need for consecutive additions of chemical fuel(s). The electroanalytical approach described in this Communication promotes the assembly of cyclobis(paraquat-p-phenylene) rings along a positively charged oligomeric chain, providing easy access to the formation of multiple mechanical bonds by means of a controlled supply of electricity.

Keywords: electrochemistry; molecular machines; radicals; rotaxanes; supramolecular chemistry.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.