Directional Ring Translocation in a pH- and Redox-Driven Tristable 2Rotaxane

• Published in: Angewandte Chemie International Edition p. e202414609
• Main Authors: Andreoni, Leonardo, Groppi, Jessica, Seven, Özlem, Baroncini, Massimo, Credi, Alberto, Silvi, Serena
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 20-09-2024
• ISSN: 1521-3773; 1521-3773
• DOI: 10.1002/anie.202414609

We describe the synthesis and characterization of a [2]rotaxane comprising a dibenzo-24-crown-8 (DB24C8) macrocyclic component and a thread containing three recognition sites: ammonium (AmH+), bipyridinium (Bpy2+) and triazolium (Trz+). AmH+ and Bpy2+ are responsive to fully orthogonal stimuli, pH and electrochemical, which allows to precisely control the directional translation of the macrocycle along the axle. A better understanding of the processes driving the operation of the system was obtained thanks to an in-depth thermodynamic characterization. Orthogonal stimuli responsive tristable rotaxanes represent the starting point for the creation of linear motors and the development of molecular logic gates.We describe the synthesis and characterization of a [2]rotaxane comprising a dibenzo-24-crown-8 (DB24C8) macrocyclic component and a thread containing three recognition sites: ammonium (AmH+), bipyridinium (Bpy2+) and triazolium (Trz+). AmH+ and Bpy2+ are responsive to fully orthogonal stimuli, pH and electrochemical, which allows to precisely control the directional translation of the macrocycle along the axle. A better understanding of the processes driving the operation of the system was obtained thanks to an in-depth thermodynamic characterization. Orthogonal stimuli responsive tristable rotaxanes represent the starting point for the creation of linear motors and the development of molecular logic gates.