Remote control of the reversible assembly/disassembly of supramolecular aggregates

ABSTRACT

A multi-component system is presented in which the actuation of a copper-loaded nanoswitch by zinc(II) ions as an external trigger and the thereby prompted release of copper(I) ions allows self-assembly of 11 parts resulting in the formation of a three-component supramolecular prism. Using the same protocol, a three-component rectangle was made from eight parts. Disassembly of the aggregates was accomplished by selective removal of zinc(II) ions using hexacyclen. In sum, the reversible assembly and disassembly of supramolecular aggregates was controlled in a multi-component mixture through intermolecular communication using a second messenger.

Graphical_abstract

KEYWORDS:

• Molecular switch
• artificial device
• chemical signalling
• supramolecular prism

Acknowledgments

We are indebted to the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (Schm 647/19-2) for continued funding.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Supplementary material

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Additional information

Funding

Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft [Schm 647/19-2].