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A Cucurbit[7]uril Based Molecular Shuttle Encoded by Visible Room-Temperature Phosphorescence.
Yifan Gong1, Hui Chen1, Xiang Ma2
1Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Institute of Fine Chemicals, East China University of Science & Technology, Shanghai, 200237, P. R. China.
Summary
This study presents a novel pH-controlled molecular shuttle using cururbit[7]uril (CB[7]) and a phosphor. Its shuttling motion is visibly indicated by changes in room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP) intensity.
Area of Science:
- Supramolecular Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Chemical Sensing
Background:
- Room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP) is a valuable tool for molecular sensing.
- Molecular shuttles are crucial for controlled molecular transport and responsive systems.
- Cururbit[7]uril (CB[7]) is a well-established host molecule for constructing supramolecular assemblies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a pH-responsive molecular shuttle utilizing RTP.
- To demonstrate visible, naked-eye detection of molecular shuttling via RTP.
- To establish a new output mechanism for CB[7]-based molecular systems.
Main Methods:
- Complexation of cururbit[7]uril (CB[7]) with a 6-bromoisoquinoline derivative (IQC[5]).
- Utilizing pH changes to control the position of CB[7] on the IQC[5] guest.
- Monitoring RTP emission intensity as an indicator of molecular conformation and position.
Main Results:
- A visible RTP signal was achieved through the complexation of CB[7] and IQC[5] in aqueous solution.
- The molecular shuttle exhibited distinct RTP emission changes in response to pH adjustments.
- Acidic conditions led to weak RTP, while deprotonation resulted in intense RTP emission.
Conclusions:
- This work introduces the first CB[7]-based molecular shuttle with RTP as a direct output signal for its shuttling and conformational state.
- The developed system allows for visible, pH-triggered switching of RTP, enabling naked-eye detection.
- This approach offers a new platform for designing smart supramolecular materials and sensors.
