Open AccessMechanically‐Driven Vase–Kite Conformational Switch in Cavitand Cross‐Linked Polyurethanes
Author(s) -
Torelli Martina,
Terenziani Francesca,
Pedrini Alessandro,
Guagnini Francesca,
Domenichelli Ilaria,
Massera Chiara,
Dalcanale Enrico
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
chemistryopen
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.644
H-Index - 29
ISSN - 2191-1363
DOI - 10.1002/open.201900345
Subject(s) - covalent bond , cavitand , polymer , conformational change , elastomer , chemistry , polydimethylsiloxane , dynamic covalent chemistry , polymer chemistry , materials science , molecule , organic chemistry , stereochemistry , supramolecular chemistry
The eligibility of tetraquinoxaline cavitands (QxCav) as molecular grippers relies on their unique conformational mobility between a closed ( vase ) and an open ( kite ) form, triggered in solution by conventional stimuli like pH, temperature and ion concentration. In the present paper, the mechanochemical conformational switching of ad hoc functionalized QxCav covalently embedded in an elastomeric polydimethylsiloxane and in a more rigid polyurethane matrix is investigated. The rigid polymer matrix is more effective in converting mechanical force into a conformational switch at the molecular level, provided that all four quinoxaline wings are covalently connected to the polymer.