Precise synthesis of π-conjugated [3]catenanes and Solomon link for photothermal responses via a dual-tuning strategy.

Yang, Jian-Xin; Wan, Xiao-Qian; Lu, Ming-Yu; Lu, Meng-Yao; Yang, Meng-Yi; Zhao, Ying; Aznarez, Francisco; Li, Bo et al. · Nat Commun · 2026

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Mechanically interlocked supramolecular compounds have garnered widespread attention but it remains challenging to investigate topological adjustments in such complicated structures. Here, the authors use a bidentate pyridyl ligand featuring an extended π-conjugated plane for coordination-directed self-assembly to engineer three different kinds of sophisticated complexes, including three Linear [3]catenanes 1(OTf)<sub>12</sub>, 2(OTf)<sub>12</sub> and 3(OTf)<sub>12</sub>, two Borromean rings 4(OTf)<sub>12</sub> and 5(OTf)<sub>12</sub>, and one heterometallic Solomon link 6(OTf)<sub>8</sub> by modulating the Ru···Ru distances and conjugation planes of the building units or incorporating bridging silver ions. Subtle alterations in the building units can yield a diversity of topological architectures. Differences in the photothermal conversion properties of 1(OTf)<sub>12</sub> - 6(OTf)<sub>8</sub> are investigated. Various photothermal conversion efficiencies (23% - 81%) are obtained because of the synergistic effect of π···π stacking interactions and the free radical effect of building units. This finding enables the precise regulation of topology, thereby leading to a remarkable enhancement in photothermal conversion efficiency.