Pillar[5]arene-porphyrin conjugates: from molecular flowers to photoactive rotaxanes

Our groups are involved in a research program on the development of molecular and supramolecular systems combining pillar[5]arene building blocks with porphyrins. Functionalization of both rims of the pillar[5]arene scaffold with metalloporphyrins generated giant molecular machines mimicking the blooming of a flower as well as light-harvesting devices. On the other hand, we have also used the host-guest properties of pillar[5]arene derivatives to prepare photoactive mechanically interlocked molecules. In such compounds, complementary subunits are associated into a single molecular ensemble but without being connected through covalent bonds. Inter-component photo-induced energy transfer processes remain however extremely fast in these systems despite the exclusive link through mechanical bonds. All these results are described in the present review.

Automated summary

Our research program focuses on the development of molecular and supramolecular systems using pillar[5]arene and porphyrins. We have successfully created giant molecular machines and light-harvesting devices by functionalizing the pillar[5]arene scaffold with metalloporphyrins. Additionally, we have utilized the host-guest properties of pillar[5]arene derivatives to prepare photoactive mechanically interlocked molecules, which exhibit efficient inter-component photo-induced energy transfer processes.