Light‐Induced Anion Translocation to Control Helical Folding in an Artificial Communication System

The processing of incoming signals is key to many biological functions and involves the transfer of chemical messengers. Emulation of such signaling pathways in artificial molecular systems could enable complex, intelligent behavior. Toward this end, we demonstrate that reversible anion release and uptake by a light-responsive synthetic receptor can in turn induce helical folding and unfolding of a complementary secondary receptor, of which a change in circular dichroism (CD) absorption serves as output signal. The helical folding process is thus indirectly controlled by light through communication between the two receptors via anion translocation. This work will trigger development of complex chemical networks in which signals are transmitted, aiding in the creation of smart materials and molecular computers.