Conformational features of an actuator containing calix[4]arene and thiophene: a molecular dynamics study.

Molecular dynamics simulations have been performed for poly(calix[4]arene bis(bithiophene)) in dichloromethane solution. This material responds to its electronic structure variations with significant conformational changes, producing contraction-expansion movements. Simulations have been performed for the three states of this molecular actuator (reduced, oxidized-nondeprotonated, and oxidized-deprotonated), a specific force-field being developed for each case. Results, which are fully consistent with previous ab initio quantum mechanical calculations on an isolated actuating unit, have revealed important findings about the dynamics of the system. Analyses of the flexibility/rigidity of the molecular chain with the state, the interaction of the polymer with the solvent molecules and the influence of environmental factors (as the viscosity of solvent, the counterions and the thermal agitation) on the dynamics have provided important insights to the actuation mechanism.