Reversible Metal-Mediated Molecular Switching of a Phosphaethene Polyaromatic Hydrocarbon

Abstract

This experimental and theoretical study illustrates how phosphaalkenes, which are isolobal to alkenes, can utilize a variety of external triggers for molecular switching. The E/Z isomerization of a truxene-based phosphaalkene, i.e. TruxC=P-Mes* (Mes* = 2,4,6-tris-t-butyl-benzene), is accomplished by irradiation, metal coordination, or deprotonation of the truxene core. The reversible and quantitative Z/E double bond isomerization by gold(I) coordination/decoordination of the phosphorous lone pair represents a novel fuelling strategy for molecular switches.

Keywords: X-ray crystallography; metal coordination; molecular switch; phosphaalkene.