Fast response dry-type artificial molecular muscles with [c2]daisy chains.

Hierarchically organized myosin and actin filaments found in biological systems exhibit contraction and expansion behaviours that produce work and force by consuming chemical energy. Inspired by these naturally occurring examples, we have developed photoresponsive wet- and dry-type molecular actuators built from rotaxane-based compounds known as [c2]daisy chains (specifically, [c2]AzoCD2 hydrogel and [c2]AzoCD2 xerogel). These actuators were prepared via polycondensation between four-armed poly(ethylene glycol) and a [c2]daisy chain based on α-cyclodextrin as the host component and azobenzene as a photoresponsive guest component.

Preparation of tris(spiroorthocarbonate) cyclophanes as back to back ditopic hosts.

Twin-bowl-shaped tris(spiroorthocarbonate) cyclophanes were designed and prepared as ditopic hosts for electrically neutral or electron-rich guests. Preparation of the desired cyclophanes was achieved by cyclotrimerization of 2,2',3,3'-tetrahydroxy-1,1'-binaphthyl (THB) via the transesterification of tetraphenyl orthocarbonate or dichlorodiphenoxymethane. In those reactions, bis(spiroorthocarbonate) cyclophane containing two THB units was also formed as the kinetically favored product.