{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Triply Interlocked [2]catenanes: Rational Synthesis, Reversible Conversion Studies and Unprecedented Application in Photothermal Responsive Elastomer.
{Author}: Dang LL;Zheng J;Zhang JZ;Chen T;Chai YH;Fu HR;Aznarez F;Liu SR;Li DS;Ma LF;
{Journal}: Angew Chem Int Ed Engl
{Volume}: 63
{Issue}: 32
{Year}: 2024 Aug 5
{Factor}: 16.823
{DOI}: 10.1002/anie.202406552
{Abstract}: Triply interlocked [2]catenane complexes featuring two identical, mechanically interlocked units are extraordinarily rare chemical compounds, whose properties and applications remain open to detailed studies. Herein, we introduce the rational design of a new ligand precursor, L1, suitable for the synthesis of six triply interlocked [2]catenanes by coordination-driven self-assembly. The interlocked compounds can be reversibly converted into the corresponding simple triangular prism metallacage by addition of H2O or DMF solvents to their CH3OH solutions, thereby demonstrating the importance of π⋅⋅⋅π stacking and hydrogen bonding interactions in the formation of triply interlocked [2]catenanes. Moreover, extensive studies have been conducted to assess the remarkable photothermal conversion performance. Complex 6 a, exhibiting outstanding photothermal conversion performance (conversion efficiency in solution : 31.82 %), is used to prepare novel photoresponsive elastomer in combination with thermally activated liquid crystal elastomer. The resultant material displays robust response to near-infrared (NIR) laser and the capability of completely reforming the shape and reversible actuation, paving the way for the application of half-sandwich organometallic units in photo-responsive smart materials.