Polydiphenylsilanes bearing photosensitive azocrown groups

Area of Science:

• Polymer Chemistry
• Photochemistry
• Supramolecular Chemistry

Background:

• Polydiphenylsilanes are known for their unique photophysical properties.
• Photoisomerization is a crucial process for developing light-responsive materials.
• Crown ethers, like dibenzo-18-crown-6, can form host-guest complexes, influencing material behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize a novel polydiphenylsilane functionalized with (propyl-oxyphenylazo)dibenzo-18-crown-6 side groups.
• To investigate the reversible trans-cis photoisomerization behavior induced by UV light.
• To explore the influence of the crown ether moiety on the photoisomerization process.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of the functionalized polydiphenylsilane via polymerization techniques.
• Characterization of the synthesized polymer using spectroscopic methods (e.g., NMR, UV-Vis).
• Photoisomerization studies involving UV irradiation and monitoring of spectral changes.

Main Results:

• Successful synthesis of the target polydiphenylsilane with pendant (propyl-oxyphenylazo)dibenzo-18-crown-6 groups.
• Demonstration of reversible trans-cis photoisomerization upon UV light exposure.
• Evidence suggests the crown ether groups may influence the photoisomerization kinetics or efficiency.

Conclusions:

• The synthesized polydiphenylsilane exhibits light-induced reversible photoisomerization.
• The incorporation of (propyl-oxyphenylazo)dibenzo-18-crown-6 side groups provides a platform for photoresponsive supramolecular systems.
• This material holds potential for applications in areas such as optical data storage, smart coatings, and molecular switches.