Two-dimensional interlocking molecular assemblies. precursors of catenane-containing membranes

Lines connect the coordinator with its partners.

Project objective

The aim of the project is the design and preparation of discrete tetrameric pseudorotaxanes and rotaxanes with novel topology. These will be subsequently used for a controlled oligomerization so as to obtain oligomeric mutually interlocking species . The procedure, reminiscent of knitting" , represents first steps towards larger 2- D interlocking assemblies, such as membranes. The proposed experimental approach is based on the self-assembly of complementary building blocks driven by coordination bonds. The self-complementary building unit consists of a macrocycle and a connected string, both containing a bidentate 1, 10-phenantroline ligand. The threading process is induced by an addition of a coordinating metal (Cu+). The essential condition for the required topology is the planar arrangement of the chelating ring and the string. As a consequence, the formation of the discrete 2-D tetrameric pseudorotaxane, in which the individual units are perpendicular to one another, may be anticipated. The terminal groups of the string then will be modified by the attachment of bulky stoppers to prepare a free tetrameric rotaxane, or by addition of polymerizable groups to prepare 2-D interlocking oligomeric assemblies."

Original text from CORDIS.

Participants

• UNIVERSITE LOUIS PASTEUR, STRASBOURG 1 · STRASBOURGCoordinatorFrance

Links

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