Catalytic Reversible (De)hydrogenation To Rotate a Chemically Fueled Molecular Switch

We report here the development of a rotating molecular switch based on metal-catalyzed reversible (de)-hydrogenation. Under an argon atmosphere, acceptorless dehydrogenation induces a switch from an alcohol to a ketone, while reversing to a hydrogen pressure switches back the system to the alcohol. Based on a tolane scaffold, such reversible (de)-hydrogenation enables 180 degrees rotation. The absence of waste accumulation in a switch relying on chemical stimuli is of great significance and could potentially be applied to the design of efficient complex molecular machines.

Automated summary

In this study, we have developed a rotating molecular switch based on metal-catalyzed reversible (de)hydrogenation. This switch can switch between alcohol and ketone through reversible (de)hydrogenation reactions. The absence of waste accumulation in this chemical-stimuli-driven switch is of great significance and has potential applications in the design of efficient complex molecular machines.