Fast electrochemically induced translation of the ring in a copper-complexed [2]rotaxane: The biisoquinoline effect

Abstract

On the fast track: A molecular shuttle has been synthesized, whose ring incorporates an 8,8′-diphenyl-3,3′-biisoquinoline chelating unit. This unit is both endocyclic and not sterically hindering (see picture), which leads to remarkably fast shuttling motions (milliseconds) of the copper-complexed ring between two stations. (Chemical Equation Presented). © 2007 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.