Photochemical and thermal behavior of light-driven unidirectional molecular motor with long alkyl chains

In order to utilize molecular motors in a molecular device or smart materials, their dynamic behavior when other groups are introduced at key positions has to be examined. A C16 hydrocarbon chain has been introduced at the stereogenic centers of the first generation light-driven molecular motor based on sterically overcrowded biphenanthrylidene. It was found that this derivatization does not affect the unidirectional rotary capability of the motor and does not cause a reduction of its speed, opening new possibility for future functionalizations and applications.