Photoswitchable acylhydrazone-based synthetic anionophores are reported. Single-crystal X-ray structure and 1 H NMR titration studies confirmed the chloride binding in solid and solution states. The ion transport activity of 1a was greatly attenuated through a phototriggered E to Z photoisomerization process, and the photoisomerized deactivated state showed high kinetic stability due to an intramolecular hydrogen bond. Switchable "OFF−ON" transport activity was achieved by the application of light and acid-catalyzed reactivation process.

Two self-assembled barrel-rosette ion channels have been developed using bis(1,3-propanediol)-linked m-dipropynylbenzene-based molecules. The system with an additional amide arm acted as a better channel compared to that having an ester...