Tetrahedron
Tetrahedron
5 years ago

Competitive inclusion of molecular photo-switches in host cavities

Competitive inclusion of molecular photo-switches in host cavities
Azobenzene is a widely used guest molecule to build up dynamic photo-responsive host-guest systems. Here, we studied the host-guest complexation of a water-soluble, ortho-fluorinated azobenzene with two different host molecules, a cyclodextrin (β-CD) and a cucurbit[8]uril (CB[8]), and demonstrate that in the presence of both, the guest forms two stable supramolecular complexes selectively. In its trans-form, it favors binding to β-CD, whereas in its cis-form it favors complexation to CB[8]. Upon light-triggered photo-isomerization, the photoswitch was reversibly and selectively transferred from one host cavity to the other. This light-driven host exchange provides a new tool for supramolecular systems.

Publisher URL: www.sciencedirect.com/science

DOI: S0040402017305021

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