The structural anisotropy necessary for the powered directional rotation of chemically fuelled molecular motors had previously been provided by chiral fuels or enzymes. Now it has been shown that asymmetry in the organocatalyst itself is sufficient for directional fuelled rotation. This informs how chemical energy is transduced through catalysis, the fundamental process that powers biology.
- Hua-Kui Liu
- Benjamin M. W. Roberts
- David A. Leigh