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Related Concept Videos

Photochemical Electrocyclic Reactions: Stereochemistry01:26

Photochemical Electrocyclic Reactions: Stereochemistry

The absorption of UV–visible light by conjugated systems causes the promotion of an electron from the ground state to the excited state. Consequently, photochemical electrocyclic reactions proceed via the excited-state HOMO rather than the ground-state HOMO. Since the ground- and excited-state HOMOs have different symmetries, the stereochemical outcome of electrocyclic reactions depends on the mode of activation; i.e., thermal or photochemical.
Selection Rules: Photochemical Activation
Photoelectric Effect02:26

Photoelectric Effect

When light of a particular wavelength strikes a metal surface, electrons are emitted. This is called the photoelectric effect. The minimum frequency of light that can cause such emission of electrons is called the threshold frequency, which is specific to the metal. Light with a frequency lower than the threshold frequency, even if it is of high intensity, cannot initiate the emission of electrons. However, when the frequency is higher than the threshold value, the number of electrons ejected...
The Photochemical Reaction Center01:29

The Photochemical Reaction Center

Reaction centers are pigment-protein complexes that initiate energy conversion from photons to chemical entities. Therefore, photochemical reaction center is a more appropriate term that describes these complexes. The Nobel laureates Robert Emerson and William Arnold provided the first experimental evidence of photochemical reaction centers by demonstrating the participation of nearly 2,500 chlorophyll molecules for the release of just one molecule of oxygen. Despite thousands of photosynthetic...
UV–Vis Spectroscopy: Woodward–Fieser Rules01:29

UV–Vis Spectroscopy: Woodward–Fieser Rules

UV–Visible absorption spectra of conjugated dienes arise from the lowest energy π → π* transitions. The light-absorbing part of the molecule is called the chromophore, and the substituents directly attached to the chromophore are called auxochromes. A strong correlation exists between the absorption maxima, λmax, and the structure of a conjugated π system. The Woodward–Fieser rules predict the value of λmax for a given structure by adding the contributions...
π Electron Effects on Chemical Shift: Overview01:27

π Electron Effects on Chemical Shift: Overview

An applied magnetic field causes loosely bound π-electrons in organic molecules to circulate, producing a local or induced diamagnetic field over a large spatial volume. As the molecules tumble in solution, the field generated by π-electrons in spherical substituents results in a zero net field. However, the net field generated by π-electrons in non-spherical substituents is not zero. The effect of this induced field depends on the orientation of the molecule with respect to B0, resulting in...
Photosystems01:32

Photosystems

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Determination of the Photoisomerization Quantum Yield of a Hydrazone Photoswitch
09:33

Determination of the Photoisomerization Quantum Yield of a Hydrazone Photoswitch

Published on: February 7, 2022

Photoswitches: from molecules to materials.

Maria-Melanie Russew1, Stefan Hecht

  • 1Department of Chemistry, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Germany.

Advanced Materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.)
|April 28, 2010
PubMed
Summary

Photoswitch molecules enable smart materials by reversibly changing properties with light. This progress report highlights recent advances and design concepts for these advanced materials.

Area of Science:

  • Materials Science
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Photochemistry

Background:

  • Small organic molecules act as photoswitches, enabling reversible property changes upon light stimulus.
  • These photoswitching molecules are integral to developing advanced materials with tunable characteristics.
  • Applications span optical devices to smart polymers, demonstrating significant material impact.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight recent promising examples of photoswitchable molecules in materials science.
  • To discuss design concepts, challenges, and future potential of photoswitch-based materials.
  • To provide perspective on the progression from molecular systems to bulk materials.

Main Methods:

  • Review and synthesis of recent literature on photoswitchable molecules.

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Published on: November 14, 2015

High-Contrast and Fast Photorheological Switching of a Twist-Bend Nematic Liquid Crystal
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High-Contrast and Fast Photorheological Switching of a Twist-Bend Nematic Liquid Crystal

Published on: October 31, 2019

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Last Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Determination of the Photoisomerization Quantum Yield of a Hydrazone Photoswitch
09:33

Determination of the Photoisomerization Quantum Yield of a Hydrazone Photoswitch

Published on: February 7, 2022

A 'Plug and Play' Method to Create Water-dispersible Nanoassemblies Containing an Amphiphilic Polymer, Organic Dyes and Upconverting Nanoparticles
12:51

A 'Plug and Play' Method to Create Water-dispersible Nanoassemblies Containing an Amphiphilic Polymer, Organic Dyes and Upconverting Nanoparticles

Published on: November 14, 2015

High-Contrast and Fast Photorheological Switching of a Twist-Bend Nematic Liquid Crystal
06:24

High-Contrast and Fast Photorheological Switching of a Twist-Bend Nematic Liquid Crystal

Published on: October 31, 2019

  • Analysis of design strategies for integrating photoswitches into various material formats.
  • Discussion of structure-property relationships and switching mechanisms.

    • Main Results:

    • Identification of key photoswitching molecules and their integration into supramolecular systems, surfaces, and bulk materials.
    • Demonstration of light-induced macroscopic property changes in materials.
    • Highlighting of successful applications in optical devices and smart polymers.

    Conclusions:

    • Photoswitch molecules offer a powerful mechanism for creating responsive and "smart" materials.
    • Continued research in molecular design and material integration promises significant advancements.
    • The field holds great promise for developing truly advanced materials with tunable properties.