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Updated: Jan 18, 2026
08:40
Light-driven Molecular Motors on Surfaces for Single Molecular Imaging
Published on: March 13, 2019
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Chiral catalysis-driven rotary molecular motors.
Hua-Kui Liu1, Benjamin M W Roberts1,2, Stefan Borsley1,3
1Department of Chemistry, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
Nature Chemistry
|January 16, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed novel chiral molecular motors that use their own structural asymmetry for directional rotation, mimicking motor proteins. This breakthrough advances understanding of chemical energy transduction in biological processes.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Chemistry
- Supramolecular Chemistry
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Distinguishing rotational direction in molecular motors typically requires external chiral systems or enzymes.
- Structural anisotropy is crucial for directional rotary motion around covalent single bonds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a new class of rotary motors where intrinsic structural asymmetry drives directional rotary catalysis.
- To investigate the role of a single stereogenic center in achieving directional bias in molecular motors.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of azaindole-phenylethanoic acid-based rotary motors.
- Catalysis of diisopropylcarbodiimide hydration using the developed molecular motors.
- Modulation of motor directionality using chiral hydrolysis promoters.
Main Results:
- A single stereogenic center in the motor produced an 8:1 clockwise:counterclockwise bias in diisopropylcarbodiimide hydration.
- Chiral promoters significantly enhanced directionality (30:1 clockwise) or reversed it (1:2 clockwise:counterclockwise).
- Demonstrated control over rotary catalysis directionality based on motor structure and chiral additives.
Conclusions:
- Intrinsic structural asymmetry within molecular motors can effectively direct rotary catalysis.
- This work provides insights into chemical energy transduction mechanisms, fundamental to biological processes.
- The developed motors offer a platform for controlled chemical energy conversion at the molecular level.
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