Dual Electroactivity in a Covalent Organic Network with Mechanically Interlocked Pillar[5]arenes

Chemistry. 2021 Jul 2;27(37):9589-9596. doi: 10.1002/chem.202100558. Epub 2021 May 19.

Abstract

The synthesis and characterization of a polyrotaxanated covalent organic network (CON) based on the association between the viologen and pillar[5]arene (P[5]OH) units are reported. The mechanical bond allows for the irreversible insertion of n-type redox centers (P[5]OH macrocycles) within a pristine structure based on p-type viologen redox centers. Both redox units are active on a narrow potential range and, in water, the presence of P[5]OH greatly increases the electroactivity of the material.

Keywords: covalent organic networks; electroactive solid; pillar[5]arene; rotaxane; viologen.