A bistable poly[2]catenane forms nanosuperstructures

Angew Chem Int Ed Engl. 2009;48(10):1792-7. doi: 10.1002/anie.200804558.

Abstract

Side-chain poly[2]catenanes at the click of a switch! A bistable side-chain poly[2]catenane has been synthesized and found to form hierarchical self-assembled hollow superstructures of nanoscale dimensions in solution. Molecular electromechanical switching (see picture) of the material is demonstrated, and the ground-state equilibrium thermodynamics and switching kinetics are examined as the initial steps towards processible molecular-based electronic devices and nanoelectromechanical systems.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Catenanes / chemistry*
  • Electrochemistry
  • Kinetics
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Nanostructures / chemistry
  • Nanostructures / ultrastructure*
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Polymers / chemistry*
  • Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet
  • Thermodynamics

Substances

  • Catenanes
  • Polymers