The first challenge in the development of molecular machines is the identification of stimuli-responsive components capable of reversibly switching between distinct states. While many examples of switches that utilize existing switching modes are known, the development of a new switching mechanism is uncommon. Using a rapid screening process, we have designed a novel redox-active metallosupramolecular switching platform that is capable of a transformation from free ligand to a corresponding [2]- or [3]pseudorotaxane using ligand reduction instead of the typical metal oxidation. By integrating these newly explored components, it is possible to design molecules capable of doing meaningful work on the nanoscale, creating a synthetic analogue to myosin and realizing true machine behavior for the first time. 

Prototyping and beta-testing redox-active molecular machine components

246th National Meeting (2013)

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