Molecular rotary motors: Unidirectional motion around double bonds

The field of synthetic molecular machines has quickly evolved in recent years, growing from a fundamental curiosity to a highly active field of chemistry. Many different applications are being explored in areas such as catalysis, self-assembled and nanostructured materials, and molecular electronics...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences - PNAS 2018-09, Vol.115 (38), p.9423-9431
Main Authors: Roke, Diederik, Wezenberg, Sander J., Feringa, Ben L.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adaptability
Biotechnology
Catalysis
Dynamic control
Machinery
Microelectronics
Molecular electronics
Molecular machines
Molecular motors
Nanostructured materials
Nanotechnology devices
Organic chemistry
Physical Sciences
Self-assembly
Shafts (machine elements)
SPECIAL FEATURE: PERSPECTIVE
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Summary:The field of synthetic molecular machines has quickly evolved in recent years, growing from a fundamental curiosity to a highly active field of chemistry. Many different applications are being explored in areas such as catalysis, self-assembled and nanostructured materials, and molecular electronics. Rotary molecular motors hold great promise for achieving dynamic control of molecular functions as well as for powering nanoscale devices. However, for these motors to reach their full potential, many challenges still need to be addressed. In this paper we focus on the design principles of rotary motors featuring a double-bond axle and discuss the major challenges that are ahead of us. Although great progress has been made, further design improvements, for example in terms of efficiency, energy input, and environmental adaptability, will be crucial to fully exploit the opportunities that these rotary motors offer.
ISSN:0027-8424
1091-6490
DOI:10.1073/pnas.1712784115