Photoconductive properties of a π-conjugated α-cyclodextrin containing [2]rotaxane and its corresponding molecular dumbbell.

The photoconductive properties of an azo-containing [2]rotaxane, bearing a π-conjugated axial part and its corresponding dumbbell compound are investigated. Structural effects on the observed photoconductive behavior in both cases are discussed. The photoresponsive behavior of the title [2]rotaxane was proved to be more intense than that of its analogue lacking the α-cyclodextrin (α-CyD) macrocycle. A mechanism of the photoinduced charge transport in both cases is proposed.