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Updated: Jan 17, 2026

Determination of the Photoisomerization Quantum Yield of a Hydrazone Photoswitch
Published on: February 7, 2022
Photoswitches beyond azobenzene: a beginner's guide
Michela Marcon1, Christoph Haag1, Burkhard König1
1Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstr. 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
Abstract:
Approaching the vast, colourful world of photoswitches from a different field of study or as an undergraduate student may be overwhelming: azobenzene is undoubtedly the most famous due to its easy synthesis and the extensively studied properties. However, there are several photoswitch classes beyond azobenzene with interesting properties that can be tailored to meet one's needs. In this tutorial review, we aim to explain the important terminology and discuss the synthesis, switching mechanisms, and properties of seven interesting photoswitch classes, namely azoheteroarenes, diazocines, indigoid photoswitches, arylhydrazones, diarylethenes, fulgides, and spiropyrans.
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