Electrochemically switchable molecular-tweezers

Abstract

Synthetic receptors possessing two complexing chromophores connected by a single spacer are referred to as molecular tweezers. We report an electrochemically triggered molecular tweezers, which is a calix[4]arene-bis-porphyrin conjugate, that acts as a proof-of-concept demonstration system showing an electro-statically induced approach to guest release. The electrochemical behavior represents that 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO) is released from the complex formed between calix[4]arene-bisporphyrin conjugate and DABCO, just after cooperative two-oxidation occurs at 0.41 V.