Molecular Gyroscope with a trans-Cyclohexane-1,4-diimine Rotor Unit: Isolation and Characterization of a Geometric Isomer as a Formal Intermediate of Hindered Rotation

Abstract

Abstract Condensation reactions of macrocyclic diamines 1 and cyclohexane-1,4-dicarbaldehydes 2 with the substituents at 1,4-positions gave a series of macrocage molecules that can be considered molecular gyroscopes. The gyro-rotational behavior of the cyclohexane rotor is largely affected by the degree of steric requirement of the substituents, and isolation of syn-isomer suggests stepwise motion in the macrocages attached with bulky substituents on the rotor.