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Updated: Jun 6, 2026
08:40
Light-driven Molecular Motors on Surfaces for Single Molecular Imaging
Published on: March 13, 2019
Reversing the direction in a light-driven rotary molecular motor
Nopporn Ruangsupapichat1, Michael M Pollard, Syuzanna R Harutyunyan
1Centre for Systems Chemistry, Stratingh Institute for Chemistry and Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, Groningen 9747AG, The Netherlands.
Nature Chemistry
|December 17, 2010
Summary
Artificial molecular motors can now reverse their rotation direction. This breakthrough in molecular machines allows for controlled changes in motion, paving the way for adaptive mechanical systems.
Area of Science:
- Molecular nanotechnology
- Supramolecular chemistry
- Stereochemistry
Background:
- Biological rotary motors exhibit reversible directional motion.
- Artificial molecular motors face challenges in achieving directional control and reversal.
- Unidirectional rotary behavior is crucial for molecular motor function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and demonstrate an artificial molecular motor capable of reversing its direction of rotation.
- To address the stereochemical challenge of reversing motion without compromising unidirectional behavior.
- To enable adaptive functional behavior in molecular mechanical systems.
Main Methods:
- Development of a novel molecular motor with multilevel control.
- Utilizing light-power to drive a 360° unidirectional rotary cycle.
- Employing base-catalyzed epimerization to reverse the direction of rotation.
- Investigating deprotonation and reprotonation of photochemically generated isomers.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated light-powered unidirectional rotation of the molecular motor.
- Achieved reversal of the motor's rotation direction via base-catalyzed epimerization.
- Confirmed complete inversion of configuration at the stereogenic center during reversal.
- Showcased multilevel control over the rotary motion.
Conclusions:
- The developed molecular motor successfully reverses its direction of rotation.
- Base-catalyzed epimerization provides a mechanism for directional control in artificial molecular motors.
- This directional control is a critical advancement for creating adaptive molecular mechanical systems.
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