Viologens undergo two reductions at a low redox potential and with a high degree of reversibility. Three stable redox states are thus accessible, among which the radical cation is of particular interest for its ability to form π-dimers under appropriate conditions. These properties make viologens the perfect candidate for the design of effective redox responsive materials. During the past decade, viologens have been widely exploited as a key component in redox responsive molecular machines and materials, such as liquid crystals, with potential applications in optoelectronics, conductive materials, and information storage. To be fully effective, the π-dimerization of viologens requires a confined environment. Therefore, to favor π-dimerization, the choice of substituents on the viologen is crucial. Our aim is to use the π-dimerization of viologens as the driving force for the construction of molecular assemblies or as redox-triggered expandable and shrinkable structures and to investigate the electrochemical responsiveness of discrete species of bis-viologens cyclophanes on surfaces. Our latest results will be presented, including the preparation of bis-viologen cyclophanes.

Redox controlled supramolecular chemistry based on viologen architectures

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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