Transmission of Unidirectional Molecular Motor Rotation to a Remote Biaryl Axis

Molecular motors undergo repetitive directional motions upon external energy input. A profound challenge is the defined transfer of directional motor motions to remote entities at the molecular scale. Herein, we present a molecular setup that allows for the transfer of the directional rotation of a light-powered motor unit onto a remote biaryl axis via an ethylene glycol chain link. Based on a combination of X-ray crystallographic analysis, ECD, and NMR experiments as well as a comprehensive theoretical assessment, we provide evidence for the coupled stepwise directional motions of both molecular units. With the presented setup, facile integration of molecular motor units into larger functional frameworks and complex molecular machines can be explored consciously in the future.