Mechanical movement of the novel sailboat-shaped molecular switches and their unique fluorescence behaviours in rotation

In this paper we focus on the design, synthesis, characterization, kinematic analysis and fluorescent properties of two novel sailboat-shaped self-complexes. Bearing a secondary ammonium rotor, acid and base can convert their decomplexation/recomplexation states that they are capable of mimicking the function played by a macroscopic electronic switch. The dynamic processes of these self-complexes have been investigated through 1H NMR and emission spectra in solution. Owing to through-space energy transfer (FRET), one of them performing a reversible intensity in fluorescence during the dynamic motion. Such finding may be bode well for the future construction of luminescent chemosensors in supramolecular fields.