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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 19, 2026

Light-driven Molecular Motors on Surfaces for Single Molecular Imaging

Light-driven Molecular Motors on Surfaces for Single Molecular Imaging

Published on: March 13, 2019

Towards helical-chirality-controlled molecular motors.

Yohan Gisbert¹, Eric Sidler¹, Ben L Feringa¹

¹Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen Nijenborgh 3 9747 AG Groningen The Netherlands yohan.gisbert@univ-rennes.fr b.l.feringa@rug.nl.

Chemical Science

|May 18, 2026

Summary

Researchers developed new molecular motors using helical elements instead of traditional chiral centers. This innovation expands their use in harsh conditions, enabling broader applications in molecular nanotechnology.

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Area of Science:

Molecular nanotechnology
Organic chemistry
Supramolecular chemistry

Background:

Overcrowded-alkene-based molecular motors are widely used in nanotechnology for their light-driven unidirectional rotation.
Current designs rely on point-chirality, limiting their use in certain experimental conditions like strong bases or redox stimuli.

Purpose of the Study:

To design and synthesize novel molecular motors that utilize a stable helical element as the sole source of chirality.
To overcome the limitations of point-chirality in overcrowded-alkene molecular motors and expand their application scope.

Main Methods:

Design and synthesis of three novel overcrowded-alkenes incorporating a helical moiety.
Characterization of the synthesized compounds.
Detailed study of their photochemical and rotational properties.

Main Results:

Successful synthesis of overcrowded-alkenes featuring a helical element.
Demonstration of unidirectional rotation driven solely by the helical chirality.
Identification of the crucial role of specific isomerization processes in motor function.

Conclusions:

Helical elements can effectively replace point-chirality in overcrowded-alkene molecular motors.
This new design broadens the operational conditions and potential applications of molecular motors.
The findings highlight the importance of understanding isomerization pathways for motor performance.