Correlated shapeshifting and configurational isomerization

Herein we demonstrate that the rapid ‘shapeshifting’ constitutional isomerization of a substituted bullvalene is influenced by the E to Z configurational isomerization of a remote carbamate group, giving rise to correlated motion. We find that, while the E configurational isomer of a bulky carbamate favors the β-bullvalene constitutional isomer, a noncovalent bonding interaction within the Z carbamate tips the equilibrium toward the γ-bullvalene form. Using DFT modelling and NMR spectroscopy, this long-range interaction is identified as being between the bullvalene core and a pendant phenyl group connected to the carbamate. Coupling the constitutional changes of a bullvalene to a reciprocal configurational isomerization through a long-range interaction in this way will allow shapeshifting rearrangements to be exploited as part of collective motion in extended structures.