Light-Controlled Switching of a Non-photoresponsive Molecular Shuttle.

In this research, we report that the acid/base-switchable molecular shuttle without any photoresponsive group can be controlled photochemically by coupling to the indazole-based photoacid via an intermolecular proton-transfer process. The photocontrolled shuttling of the wheel can be conveniently monitored by following the fluorescent evolution during the photoirradiation.