Recent Progress in Light-Driven Molecular Shuttles

作者：Bin Yao, Hongfei Sun, Lin Yang, Song Wang, Xingyan Liu · 发表于：Frontiers in Chemistry · 年份：2022 · DOI：10.3389/fchem.2021.832735 · 被引用次数：26 · 研究领域：Supramolecular Chemistry and Complexes、Luminescence and Fluorescent Materials、Molecular Sensors and Ion Detection

Molecular shuttles are typical molecular machines that could be applied in various fields. The motion modes of wheel components in rotaxanes could be strategically modulated by external stimuli, such as pH, ions, solvent, light, and so on. Light is particularly attractive because it is harmless and can be operated in a remote mode and usually no byproducts are formed. Over the past decade, many examples of light-driven molecular shuttles are emerging. Accordingly, this review summarizes the recent research progress of light-driven molecular shuttles. First, the light-driven mechanisms of molecular motions with different functional groups are discussed in detail, which show how to drive photoresponsive or non-photoresponsive molecular shuttles. Subsequently, the practical applications of molecular shuttles in different fields, such as optical information storage, catalysis for organic reactions, drug delivery, and so on, are demonstrated. Finally, the future development of light-driven molecular shuttle is briefly prospected.