A Transition Metal Containing Rotaxane in Motion: Electrochemically Induced Pirouetting of the Ring on the Threaded Dumbbell

Fast spinning motion is observed in a copper(I) rotaxane. This “motor-like” molecule consists of an axle, bearing two bulky stoppers at its ends, and a ring containing two differrent coordination sites, each of them corresponding to the preferred situation for copper(I) or copper(II). Thus, using electrochemistry, the axle can be forced to oscillate inside the wheel.