A macrocycle/molecular-clip complex that functions as a quadruply controllable molecular switch

Chemistry. 2006 Jan 11;12(3):865-76. doi: 10.1002/chem.200500676.

Abstract

Herein, we report the synthesis of a molecular clip with TTF side-walls and its binding behavior towards electron-deficient guests, namely the formation of macrocycle/molecular-clip supramolecular complexes in solution. Four different sets of external stimuli--the K(+)/[2.2.2]cryptand, NH(4) (+)/Et(3)N and (p-BrPh)(3)NSbCl(6)/Zn pairs, and heating/cooling cycles-control the movement of this molecular switch between its threaded and unthreaded states and provide color changes that are observable by the naked eye. This macrocycle/molecular-clip complex system can be considered not only as a quadruple-use molecular switch, but can also be operated by three of these stimuli as a three-input molecular NOR-functioning logic gate that may be monitored by UV-visible spectroscopy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Crown Ethers / chemistry*
  • Models, Chemical*
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet

Substances

  • Crown Ethers