Prototype of an Optically Responsive Molecular Switch Based on Pseudorotaxane

Abstract

A negative allosteric effect is observed in the [2]pseudorotaxane incorporating the 1,5-dioxynaphthalene derivative stoppered at one end by the [18]crown-6 macrocycle when it binds alkali metal cations. This effect can be exploited to elicit an optical response that can be monitored by UV spectroscopy. The principle is illustrated schematically below.