Switching through Coordination‐Coupled Proton Transfer

Abstract

Hold the protons! A hydrazone-based rotary switch underwent E/Z isomerization upon treatment with Zn2+ (see picture) through coordination-coupled proton transfer by a mechanism inspired by biological processes that take place in the reaction centers of photosynthetic bacteria and in cation-diffusion facilitators. The process is fully reversible, as the initial E configuration can be reinstated by treatment of the zinc complex with cyanide.