A light-driven rotaxane molecular shuttle with dual fluorescence addresses.
[reaction: see text] A molecular shuttle containing an alpha-CD macrocycle, an azobenzene unit, and two different fluorescent naphthalimide units was synthesized. The cis-trans photoisomerization of the azobenzene unit resulted in the motion of the CD macrocycle on the track. Because of the easy regulation and full reversibility of the fluorescence change of the two stopper units, the molecular shuttle could be used as a molecular storage medium or switch with all-optical inputs and outputs.
Qu
Da-Hui
DH
Lab for Advanced Materials and Institute of Fine Chemicals, East China University of Science & Technology, Shanghai 200237, P.R. China.
Wang
Qiao-Chun
QC
Ren
Jun
J
Tian
He
H