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In Control of Motion: From Molecular Switches to Molecular Motors^†

Ben L. Feringa

Department of Organic and Molecular Inorganic Chemistry, Stratingh Institute, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands

Acc. Chem. Res., 2001, 34 (6), pp 504–513

DOI: 10.1021/ar0001721

Publication Date (Web): May 4, 2001

†

Part of the Special Issue on Molecular Machines.

Ben L. Feringa received his Ph.D. degree from the University of Groningen in 1978 with professor Hans Wynberg. He was research scientist with Royal Dutch Shell, both at the Shell Research Center in Amsterdam and at the Shell Biosciences Laboratories in Sittingbourne, UK. In 1984, he joined the Department of Chemistry at the University of Groningen as a lecturer and was appointed professor at the same university in 1988. He is recipient of the Pino gold medal of the Italian Chemistry Society. His research is focused on synthesis and stereochemistry. His current research interests include asymmetric catalysis, catalytic oxidation, self-assembly, and molecular switches and motors.

Abstract

The design of molecular systems in which controlled linear and rotary motion can be achieved under the influence of an external signal is a major endeavor toward future nanoscale machinery. In this Account we describe the development of molecular switches and the discoveries that culminated in the first light-driven molecular motor. Various chiral optical molecular switches and their use as trigger elements to control organization and functions will be discussed. The construction of the first and second generation molecular motors is presented.

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History

Published In Issue June 19, 2001
Received December 7, 2000

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Article

In Control of Motion: From Molecular Switches to Molecular Motors^†