Pillar[5]arene-based molecular machines – PILLAR

As part of our research program on pillar[5]arene derivatives and rotaxanes, we propose to develop a new strategy to prepare pillar[5]arene-containing daisy chains. The proposed strategy is based on the preparation of building blocks functionalized with exchangeable stoppers. The resulting building blocks will be used to develop new molecular machines in which a chemical input is converted into mechanical motions leading to a reversible contraction/extension. The molecular machines will be grafted onto surfaces and the intramolecular interactions leading to the contraction/extension will be probed at interfaces by using advanced force spectroscopy at the single molecule level. Finally, these molecular machines will be used to modify the gate of an organic field effect transistor to follow the contraction/extension of the active layer induced by a chemical stimulus on the saturated drain current of the transistor.