Light-triggered reversible supramolecular transformations of multi-bisthienylethene hexagons

J Am Chem Soc. 2012 Aug 22;134(33):13596-9. doi: 10.1021/ja306748k. Epub 2012 Aug 14.

Abstract

It is very challenging to realize well-controlled structural transformations in artificial supramolecules. Herein we report the construction of a novel family of multi-bisthienylethene hexagons with precise control of the shape and size as well as the specific number of photochromic units via coordination-driven self-assembly. These newly developed multi-bisthienylethene hexagons are highly sensitive and responsive to photostimuli, especially allowing for quantitative reversible supramolecular transformations triggered by light irradiation.