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Updated: Jan 25, 2026

Light-driven Molecular Motors on Surfaces for Single Molecular Imaging
Published on: March 13, 2019
Visible-Light-Driven Tunable Molecular Motors Based on Oxindole
Diederik Roke1, Metin Sen1, Wojciech Danowski1
1Stratingh Institute for Chemistry , University of Groningen , Nijenborgh 4 , 9747 AG , Groningen , The Netherlands.
Abstract:
Molecular rotary motors based on oxindole which can be driven by visible light are presented. This novel class of motors can be easily synthesized via a Knoevenagel condensation, and the choice of different upper halves allows for the facile tuning of their rotational speed. The four-step rotational cycle was explored using DFT calculations, and the expected photochemical and thermal isomerization behavior was confirmed by NMR, UV/vis, and CD spectroscopy. These oxindole motors offer attractive prospects for functional materials responsive to light.
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