Rotation–libration in a hierarchic supramolecular rotor–stator system: Arrhenius activation and retardation by local interaction

Fourfold symmetric zinc-octaethylporphyrin (OEP) has been incorporated in the holes of the hexagonal molecular network generated by thermal dehydrogenation of 4,9-diaminoperylenequinone-3,10-diimine (DPDI) on a Cu(111) surface and displayed hindered rotation; the reorganization between the potential minima, a rotation–libration, which is characterized by an activation energy of ED = 0.17 ± 0.03 eV, has been monitored in the STM tunnelling currents as a bi-state ‘‘switching’’.

A Two-Dimensional Porphyrin-Based Porous Network Featuring Communicating Cavities for the Templated Complexation of Fullerenes

An unprecedented two-dimensional porphyrin network featuring dynamic pores capable of hosting fullerenes is realized following a bottom-up approach at a single-crystal silver surface. Surface- and porphyrin-driven long-range interactions between the C-60 guest molecules and porphyrin layer result in the formation of exceptionally large supramolecular hybrid chains and islands (see Figure and Cover)