Imine-Functionalized Triazatriangulenium Platforms: Towards an Artificial Ciliated Epithelium

摘要

Triazatriangulenium (TATA) platforms have been used to prepare highly ordered, self-assembled monolayers of free-and vertically standing imines on Au(111) surfaces. Upon irradiation, the imines undergo trans-cis isomerization and a fast thermal reaction (t(1/2) = 0.58 s at 20 degrees C) back to the more stable trans form. It is known that the photochemical reaction proceeds through rotation of the C=N bond and the thermochemical reaction through inversion at the N atom. The imine motors, therefore, should be able to induce a net displacement of particles above the surface similar to cilia epithelia in nature.