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

Author

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  • Yingying Wu

    (Beijing Normal University)

  • Guangxia Wang

    (Beijing Normal University
    Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Qiaolian Li

    (Beijing Normal University
    Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Junfeng Xiang

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Hua Jiang

    (Beijing Normal University)

  • Ying Wang

    (Beijing Normal University)

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 acceleration of the rotation to render the rotor running at a mid-speed. All the stimuli are highly reversible. Our studies provide a conceptual approach for constructing multistage rotational-speed-changing molecular rotors, and further, the practical nanomachines.

Suggested Citation

  • Yingying Wu & Guangxia Wang & Qiaolian Li & Junfeng Xiang & Hua Jiang & Ying Wang, 2018. "A multistage rotational speed changing molecular rotor regulated by pH and metal cations," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 9(1), pages 1-10, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:9:y:2018:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-018-04323-4
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-04323-4
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