Na+ Ions Induce the Pirouetting Motion and Catalytic Activity of [2]Rotaxanes.
Yong-Jay LeeKuang-Shun LiuChien-Chen LaiYi-Hung LiuShie-Ming PengRichard P ChengSheng-Hsien ChiuPublished in: Chemistry (Weinheim an der Bergstrasse, Germany) (2017)
We have prepared [2]rotaxanes, the behavior of which as switchable catalysts depends on their pirouetting motion, which can be controlled through the addition and removal of Na+ ions. At least three sequential on/off cycles of a Michael reaction can be performed in situ when using the NaTFPB/[2.2.2]cryptand reagent pair to switch "on" and "off" the catalytic ability of the [2]rotaxanes.