A Helicate‐Based Three‐State Molecular Switch. Issue 36 (6th August 2018) - Chen, Xiaofei
Abstract: The control of structural transformations triggered by external signals is important for the development of novel functional devices. In the present study, it is demonstrated that helicates can be designed to structurally respond to the presence of different counterions and to adopt either a compressed or an expanded structure. Reversible switching is not only possible between those two states, furthermore, the twist of the aggregate also can be controlled. Thus, three out of four possible states of a helicate (expanded/left‐handed, expanded/right‐handed, compressed/left‐handed) based on an enantiomerically pure ester bridged dicatecholate ligand are specifically addressed by introduction, exchange, or removal of countercations. This approach is used to reversibly switch between the different states or to successively address them. Abstract : Up and down and left and right : A triple stranded helicate can be switched between three different extended and twisted states. This behavior is reversible and several switching cycles can be performed.