Photoinduced electron flow in a self-assembling supramolecular extension cable

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2006 Dec 5;103(49):18411-6. doi: 10.1073/pnas.0606459103. Epub 2006 Nov 20.

Abstract

We report the design, bottom-up construction, characterization, and operation of a supramolecular system capable of mimicking the function played by a macroscopic electrical extension cable. The system is made up of a light-powered electron source, an electron drain, and a cable as the molecular components programmed to self-assemble by means of two distinct plug/socket junctions. Such connections are reversible and can be operated independently by orthogonal chemical inputs. In the source-connector-drain supermolecule, photoinduced electron transfer from source to drain occurs, and it can be switched off by dual-mode chemically controlled disassembling of the molecular components.