Higher-generation type III-B rotaxane dendrimers with controlling particle size in three-dimensional molecular switching

Chak Shing Kwan, Rundong Zhao, M. A. VAN HOVE, Zongwei CAI, Ken C F LEUNG*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articlepeer-review

30 Citations (Scopus)
19 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Type III-B rotaxane dendrimers (T3B-RDs) are hyperbranched macromolecules with mechanical bonds on every branching unit. Here we demonstrate the design, synthesis, and characterization of first to third (G1-G3), and up to the fourth (G4) generation (MW > 22,000 Da) of pure organic T3B-RDs and dendrons through the copper-catalyzed alkyne-azide cycloaddition (CuAAC) reaction. By utilizing multiple molecular shuttling of the mechanical bonds within the sphere-like macromolecule, a collective three-dimensional contract-extend molecular motion is demonstrated by diffusion ordered spectroscopy (DOSY) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The discrete T3B-RDs are further observed and characterized by AFM, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and mass spectrometry (MS). The binding of chlorambucil and pH-triggered switching of the T3B-RDs are also characterized by 1H-NMR spectroscopy.

Original languageEnglish
Article number497
JournalNature Communications
Volume9
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 2018

Scopus Subject Areas

  • Chemistry(all)
  • Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology(all)
  • Physics and Astronomy(all)

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Higher-generation type III-B rotaxane dendrimers with controlling particle size in three-dimensional molecular switching'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this