Reversible dynamic control of structure is a significant challenge in molecular nanotechnology. Previously, we have reported a mechanically induced continuous (analog) conformational variation in an amphiphilic binaphthyl, where closing of molecular pliers was achieved by compression of a molecular monolayer composed of these molecules at the air-water interface. In this work we report that a phase transition induced by an applied mechanical stress enables discontinuous digital (1/0) opening of simple binaphthyl molecular pliers. A lipid matrix at the air-water interface promotes the formation of quasi-stable nanocrystals, in which binaphthyl molecules have an open transoid configuration. The crystallization/dissolution of quasi-stable binaphthyl crystals with accompanying conformational change is reversible and repeatable.
Keywords: biaryls; chirality; crystal growth; interfaces; lipids.
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