Marielle Gómez‐Kaifer

ELECTROCHEMISTRY OF SUPRAMOLECULAR SYSTEMS

What is the role of electrochemistry in supramolecular chemistry? On one hand, it provides information on energy and kinetics that is not available with spectroscopic and mass spectrometric techniques; on the other, it can be used to alter the electronic states and thus the interactions between molecules, resulting in new compounds and materials. A typical cyclic voltammogram of the complex shown is depicted on the right; only the first three reductions are presented, although a total of six electrons can be transferred to the bipyridine units sequentially (E in V vs. ferrocene/ferrocenium).

Switchable Molecular Devices: From Rotaxanes to Nanoparticles

Rotaxanes have been used as molecular frameworks for the preparation of switchable or bi-stable systems. The properties of a rotaxane that can be switched by electrochemical and chemical means are described in detail and used as an example in this discussion. The advantages of the rotaxane framework compared to systems containing the individual active components mixed together are considered. A series of practical problems hindering the application of single-molecule devices in actual circuits are discussed. Finally, some emerging alternatives to single-molecule devices based on the quickly growing field of metal and semiconductor nanoparticles are briefly described.

Importance of intramolecular hydrogen bonding for preorganization and binding of molecular guests by water-soluble calix[6]arene hosts

The binding affinity of calix[6]arene hexasulfonate hosts for ferrocene or cobaltocenium guests is highly dependent on the extent of intramolecular hydrogen bonding in the lower rim of the calixarene.