Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 26, 2025
09:33
Determination of the Photoisomerization Quantum Yield of a Hydrazone Photoswitch
Published on: February 7, 2022
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All-visible-light-driven stiff-stilbene photoswitches
Fan Xu1, Jinyu Sheng1, Charlotte N Stindt1
1Center for System Chemistry, Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen Nijenborgh 4 9747 AG Groningen The Netherlands b.l.feringa@rug.nl.
Chemical Science
|May 10, 2024
Summary
Researchers developed new stiff-stilbenes that respond to visible light, overcoming the limitations of UV-triggered photoswitches. These novel molecules offer enhanced control for smart materials and dynamic systems using safe, visible light.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Organic Chemistry
- Photochemistry
Background:
- Molecular photoswitches enable non-invasive control of dynamic systems and responsive materials.
- Stiff-stilbenes are P-type photoswitches with high quantum yield, distinct isomer differences, and good stability.
- A major limitation of stiff-stilbenes is their reliance on UV light for photoisomerization, which has drawbacks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop stiff-stilbenes that are responsive to visible light, overcoming UV-light limitations.
- To create molecules with tunable properties through late-stage chemical modification.
- To enable visible-light control over molecular switching and material behavior.
Main Methods:
- Synthesized para-formylated stiff-stilbenes using Rieche ortho-formylation.
- Introduced additional phenolic groups for late-stage functionalization.
- Investigated photoisomerization behavior under visible light irradiation.
Main Results:
- Achieved all-visible-light-responsive stiff-stilbenes.
- Demonstrated full photoisomerization control using visible light.
- Observed a high photostationary state (PSS) distribution in the modified stiff-stilbenes.
Conclusions:
- Para-formylated stiff-stilbenes offer a viable alternative to UV-light-activated photoswitches.
- These visible-light-responsive molecules are suitable for advanced smart materials and dynamic systems.
- The design allows for tailored molecular responses to visible light stimuli.
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