Control over Molecular Motion Using the Cis-trans Photoisomerization of the Azo Group

Overview

Journal Beilstein J Org Chem

Specialty Chemistry

Date 2012 Sep 29

PMID 23019434

Citations 71

Authors

Estibaliz Merino

Maria Ribagorda

Affiliations

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Abstract

Control over molecular motion represents an important objective in modern chemistry. Aromatic azobenzenes are excellent candidates as molecular switches since they can exist in two forms, namely the cis (Z) and trans (E) isomers, which can interconvert both photochemically and thermally. This transformation induces a molecular movement and a significant geometric change, therefore the azobenzene unit is an excellent candidate to build dynamic molecular devices. We describe selected examples of systems containing an azobenzene moiety and their motions and geometrical changes caused by external stimuli.

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