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

Dedicated to Prof. Tomás Torres on the occasion of his 70th birthday
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