A reversible single-molecule ligand-gating ion transportation switch of ON–OFF–ON type through a photoresponsive pillar[6]arene channel complex

Abstract

A reversible pseudo-single-ligand-gated ion transportation switch of ON–OFF–ON type was achieved through host–guest complexation with pillar[6]arene (P[6]) as the ion channel, and a photoresponsive azobenzene as the dual-role (open and close) ligand.