Title
Control over multiple molecular states with directional changes driven by molecular recognition
Author
Takehiro Hirao, Dong Sub Kim, Xiaodong Chi, Vincent M. Lynch, Kazuaki Ohara, Jung Su Park, Kentaro Yamaguchi, Jonathan L. Sessler
Year
2018
Journal
Nature Communications
Abstract
Recently, ligand–metal coordination, stimuli-responsive covalent bonds, and mechanically interlinked molecular constructs have been used to create systems with a large number of accessible structural states. However, accessing a multiplicity of states in sequence from more than one direction and doing so without the need for external energetic inputs remain as unmet challenges, as does the use of relatively weak noncovalent interactions to stabilize the underlying forms. Here we report a system based on a bispyridine-substituted calix[4]pyrrole that allows access to six different discrete states with directional control via the combined use of metal-based self-assembly and molecular recognition. Switching can be induced by the selective addition or removal of appropriately chosen ionic guests. No light or redox changes are required. The tunable nature of the system has been established through a combination of spectroscopic techniques and single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. The findings illustrate a new approach to creating information-rich functional materials.
Full Article
Instrument
J-815
Keywords
Circular dichroism, Stereochemistry, Chemical stability, Inorganic chemistry