title: A push-button molecular switch.
abstract: The preparation, characterization, and switching mechanism of a unique single-station mechanically switchable hetero[2]catenane are reported. The facile synthesis utilizing a "threading-followed-by-clipping" protocol features Cu(2+)-catalyzed Eglinton coupling as a mild and efficient route to the tetrathiafulvalene-based catenane in high yield. The resulting mechanically interlocked molecule operates as a perfect molecular switch, most readily described as a "push-button" switch, whereby two discrete and fully occupied translational states are toggled electrochemically at incredibly high rates. This mechanical switching was probed using a wide variety of experimental techniques as well as quantum-mechanical investigations. The fundamental distinctions between this single-station [2]catenane and other more traditional bi- and multistation molecular switches are significant.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60202, USA.
authors.forename: Jason M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Spruell
authors.forename: Walter F
authors.initials: WF
authors.lastname: Paxton
authors.forename: John-Carl
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Olsen
authors.forename: Diego
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Benítez
authors.forename: Ekaterina
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Tkatchouk
authors.forename: Charlotte L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Stern
authors.forename: Ali
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Trabolsi
authors.forename: Douglas C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Friedman
authors.forename: William A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Goddard
authors.forename: J Fraser
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Stoddart