A multistage rotational speed changing molecular rotor regulated by pH and metal cations.

ABSTRACT: Despite having significant applications in building nanomachines, molecular rotors with the rotational speed modulations to multiple stages in a wide range of frequency have not yet been well established. Here, we report the discovery of a stimuli-responsive molecular rotor, the rotational speed of which in the slow-to-fast range could be modulated to at least four stages triggered by acid/base and metal cations. The rotor itself rotates rapidly at ambient or elevated temperature but displays a restricted rotation after deprotonation due to the produced intramolecular electrostatic repulsion. Subsequent addition of Li⁺ or Na⁺ cations introduces an electrostatic bridge to stabilize the transition state of the deprotonated rotor, thus giving a cation-radius-dependent ac

SUBMITTER: Wu Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5955901 | biostudies-literature | 2018 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature