A molecular cage-based [2]rotaxane that behaves as a molecular muscle

Org Lett. 2009 Jan 15;11(2):385-8. doi: 10.1021/ol802648h.

Abstract

We report a molecular cage-based [2]rotaxane that functions as an artificial molecular muscle through the control of the addition and removal of fluoride anions. The percentage change in molecular length of the [2]rotaxane is about 36% between the stretched and contracted states, which is larger than the percentage change (approximately 27%) in human muscle.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biomimetic Materials / chemistry*
  • Biomimetic Materials / metabolism
  • Fluorides / chemistry
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
  • Models, Molecular
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Muscles / metabolism*
  • Rotaxanes / chemistry*
  • Rotaxanes / metabolism

Substances

  • Rotaxanes
  • Fluorides