Electrochemical switching in mechanically interlocked molecules (MIMs)

Abstract

Mechanically interlocked molecules (MIMs) which include rotaxanes and catenanes are formed by the mechanical linking of two or more components and have significant potential in the construction of molecular machinery owing to their intercomponent dynamics. Synthesis of these mechanically bonded interlocked molecules is delicate due to the inherent entropy constraints required to preorganize structural units for interlocking. However, if accomplished, it offers the advantage of stimuli-responsive behaviour and the control of the rotation/movement of components at the macroscopic level. Currently, synthetic MIMs are transitioning from creating basic architectures to complex architectures with potential functional systems for real-world applications. Switching occurs in different ways in these MIMs, such as chemical (pH, solvent polarity, and guest-induced switching), and electrochemical switching (redox switching). This review looks at some of the most recent studies on electrochemical switching that shows prevalent interest in MIMs among scientists seeking to create functional molecular machines that outperform their natural analogs or possess unique features.