Photoinduced electron flow in a self-assembling supramolecular extension cable

Abstract

We report the design, bottom-up construction, characterization, and operation of a supramolecular system capable of mimicking the function played by a macroscopic electrical extension cable. The system is made up of a light-powered electron source, an electron drain, and a cable as the molecular components programmed to self-assemble by means of two distinct plug/socket junctions. Such connections are reversible and can be operated independently by orthogonal chemical inputs. In the source–connector–drain supermolecule, photoinduced electron transfer from source to drain occurs, and it can be switched off by dual-mode chemically controlled disassembling of the molecular components.