Photoresponsive Helical Foldamers: Conformational Control Through Double Helix Formation and Light-Induced
Louis Hardoin1, Rana Kdouh1, Youssef Aidibi1
1Univ Angers, CNRS, MOLTECH-ANJOU-UMR 6226, F-49000, Angers, France.
Researchers developed a novel helical foldamer that can change length. This foldamer
Area of Science:
- Supramolecular Chemistry
- Host-Guest Chemistry
- Organic Synthesis
Background:
- Helical foldamers are key in host-guest chemistry, acting as hosts or substrates.
- Current methods for controlling foldamer shape rely on covalent synthesis.
- Developing new methods to control foldamer dimensions is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize a novel oligopyridine dicarboxamide foldamer incorporating photo-active tetraphenylethylene (TPE) units.
- To demonstrate methods for controlling the length and conformation of helical foldamers.
- To explore photo-induced unfolding mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- Covalent synthesis of foldamers with TPE units.
- Dosimetry NMR spectroscopy to analyze foldamer elongation.
- X-ray diffraction to determine single and double helix structures.
- Photo-induced protonation triggered by TPE units.
Main Results:
- Foldamer length can be tuned by adjusting concentration, forming single and double helices.
- Photo-induced protonation by TPE units triggers unfolding.
- Significant conformational and spectroscopic changes observed upon unfolding.
Conclusions:
- Concentration-dependent elongation offers a method to control foldamer dimensions.
- Photo-induced unfolding provides a novel pathway to alter foldamer conformation.
- This work expands the toolkit for designing and manipulating foldamers in host-guest chemistry.
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