A Triply Operable Molecular Switch: Anion‐, Acid/Base‐ and Solvent‐Responsive [2]Rotaxane

Abstract

A 2,6‐helic[6]arene‐based bistable [2]rotaxane has been designed and synthesized, which incorporates protonated tertiary ammonium salt as a reversible control unit and hexamethylene chain as a second binding site. In particular, it was found that [2]rotaxane could perform as a triply operable molecular switch through addition and removal of fluoride ions (TBAF/NaBArF), protonation and deprotonation of tertiary amine (HBArF/DBU), and altering the solvent polarity. It represents the first triply operable molecular switch based on helic[6]arenes.

Recent advances in the synthesis and applications of macrocyclic arenes

“…67). 133 The location of helic [6]arene in 130 could be reversibly controlled by three methods including addition and removal of fluoride ions, protonation and deprotonation and altering the polarity of the solvent.…”

Benchmarking of Density Functionals for Z-Azoarene Half-Lives via Automated Transition State Search

“…Molecular switches are organic or organometallic molecules that cycle between two distinct chemical states when subjected to outside stimuli, such as changes in pH, − mechanical force, , solvent polarity, and light. , These two states have distinct chemical and physical properties, accessible by switching the stimulus on or off. Light stimulus is easily controlled spatiotemporally and promotes cycling between two photoswitch states.…”

Molecular switches and dual channel detection of Cd2+ and Fe3+ ions based on a multipodand system

“…is generated. [ 31–38 ] Organic molecule‐based logic gates afford the panorama to execute multiple logics simultaneously (superposition) and are wavelength dependent (reconfigurability) under a given set of inputs. [ 39–41 ] So, there is always the pursuit to develop organic‐based materials to report molecular complex logic gates.…”