Light-powered molecular-scale machines
V. Balzani, A. Credi, and M. Venturi
Dipartimento di Chimica “G. Ciamician”,
Università di Bologna, via Selmi 2,
40126 Bologna, Italy
Abstract: The macroscopic concepts of a machine can
be extended to the molecular level. Molecular-level machines are constructed
by the molecule-by-molecule bottom-up approach following the guidelines
of supramolecular chemistry. Like macroscopic machines, molecular machines
are characterized by (i) the kind of energy supplied to make them work,
(ii) the kind of movement performed by their components, (iii) the way
in which their operation can be controlled and monitored, (iv) the possibility
to repeat the operation, (v) the time needed to complete a cycle of
operation, and (vi) the function performed. The most convenient way
to supply energy to a molecular machine is through photochemical energy
inputs. Photochemical techniques offer, indeed, several advantages:
(i) photons can make a machine work without formation of waste products,
(ii) light can be switched on/off easily and rapidly, (iii) lasers provide
the opportunity of working in very small space and very short time domains,
(iv) photons can be used to “read” the state of the system
and to monitor the operation of the machine. The extension of the concepts
of a machine to the molecular level is of interest not only for basic
research, but also for the growth of nanoscience and the development
of nanotechnology.
*Plenary lectures presented at the 16th
International Conference on Physical Organic Chemistry (ICPOC-16):
Structure and Mechanism in Organic Chemistry, San Diego,
California, USA, 4-9 August 2002. Other presentations are published
in this issue, pp. 541-630.
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