Stepwise Dissipative Control of Multimodal Motion in a Silver(I) Catenate

Abstract

Stepwise dissipative control of two distinct motions, i.e., shuttling and sliding, is demonstrated in a single multicomponent device. When [2]rotaxane 1, which acts as a biped, and deck 2 were treated with AgBF₄/PhCH₂Br+NEt₃ as chemical fuel, the transient catenate [Ag(1)]⁺ ⋅ [Ag₃(2)]³⁺ was instantly generated showing multimodal motion and autonomous return to 1 and 2. In the dissipative process, catenate [Ag(1)]⁺ ⋅ [Ag₃(2)]³⁺ cleanly transformed into the follow-up transient device (1) ⋅ [Ag₃(2)]³⁺ exhibiting only sliding motion. Two interference-free dissipative cycles proved the resilience and robustness of the process.

Keywords: Chemical fuel; Dissipative Control; Double Motion; Molecular devices; Supramolecular Chemistry.