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Synfacts 2008(11): 1159-1159  
DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1083469
Synthesis of Materials and Unnatural Products
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart ˙ New York

Stilbene/Cyclodextrin-Based Muscular Dimer

Contributor(s): Timothy M. Swager, Jose M. Lobez
R. E. Dawson, S. E. Lincoln, C. J. Easton*
The Australian National University, Canberra and the University of Adelaide, Australia
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Publication History

Publication Date:
23 October 2008 (online)

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Significance

A light-driven molecular mimic of a muscle fiber is presented. End-capped stilbene-containing α-cyclodextrin (αCD) dimers can be synthesized, in which the E-stilbene unit is contained in the hydrophobic pocket of the αCD. Upon irradiation, the E- to Z-isomerization of the stilbene unit causes the α-cyclodextrin to slide. This action leads to an overall contraction of the dimer, and the photoisomerization is reversible.