Molecular Shuttling of a Compact and Rigid H‐Shaped [2]Rotaxane

Abstract

Push-button control: A new templating motif for mechanically interlocked molecules involving benzimidazolium axles and dibenzo[24]crown-8 wheels was used to create [2]rotaxane molecular shuttles with a compact and rigid, H-shaped molecular structure for condensed-phase and solid-state applications. Four different states of the molecular shuttle were shown to exhibit different rates of motion controlled by acid–base chemistry or the presence/absence of lithium ions (see scheme).