Chiral ferrocenes as novel rotary modules for molecular machines

Ferrocene, a double-decker organometallic compound that generates angular motion, can be used as a unique rotary module for molecular machines. By interlocking a ferrocene-based rotary module with a photochromic unit, we have developed novel molecular machines that operate via power-conversion mechanisms. This design strategy, which mimics real machines in our daily life, allows for remote control of molecular events.