Shape-switchable cyclophane hosts can capture and release reactive Ru(ii) complexes in water, enabling controlled binding and redox reactions.
This process leads to the development of molecular logic gate arrays due to the interactions of polypyridine-Ru(ii) complexes with the cyclophane systems.
The enhanced luminescence switching in neutral solutions is attributed to the cyclophane's ability to improve radiative decay while reducing nonradiative decay by altering water content within its structure.