2024-02-01 リンショーピング大学
◆今回の研究では、分子ギアの構築に成功し、回転運動を別の分子部位に伝達するデザイン原則を確立しました。特に、分子ギアの挑戦である「プロペラ」の制御難易度を克服し、回転方向性を制御する手法を開発しました。次のステップは、このデザイン原則を基に合成しやすい分子ギアの開発です。計算と高度なシミュレーションを通じて、研究者たちはデザインが機能することを確認し、今後は合成プロセスを簡素化していく方針です。
＜関連情報＞
- https://liu.se/en/news-item/how-to-shift-gears-in-a-molecular-motor
- https://chemistry-europe.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/chem.202303191
分子光ギアによる一方向回転運動の貫通空間伝達の原理実証デザイン A Proof-of-Principle Design for Through-Space Transmission of Unidirectional Rotary Motion by Molecular Photogears
Dr. Enrique M. Arpa, Prof. Sven Stafström, Prof. Bo Durbeej
Chemistry – A European Journal Published: 31 October 2023
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1002/chem.202303191
Graphical Abstract
A stereochemical approach to transmitting the directional double-bond rotary motion of light-driven molecular motors through space onto a remote single-bond axis is put forth and successfully tested by means of quantum-chemical modeling. A key result in the assessment of the approach is that the desired photogearing process is favorable compared to the undesired, free-standing single-bond rotation process (“slippage”) with which it competes.
Abstract
The construction of molecular photogears that can achieve through-space transmission of the unidirectional double-bond rotary motion of light-driven molecular motors onto a remote single-bond axis is a formidable challenge in the field of artificial molecular machines. Here, we present a proof-of-principle design of such photogears that is based on the possibility of using stereogenic substituents to control both the relative stabilities of two helical forms of the photogear and the double-bond photoisomerization reaction that connects them. The potential of the design was verified by quantum-chemical modeling through which photogearing was found to be a favorable process compared to free-standing single-bond rotation (“slippage”). Overall, our study unveils a surprisingly simple approach to realizing unidirectional photogearing.
