The eternal youth of azobenzene: new photoactive molecular and supramolecular devices

Baroncini, Massimo; Ragazzon, Giulio; Silvi, Serena; Venturi, Margherita

doi:10.1515/pac-2014-0903

Cited by 39 publications

(24 citation statements)

References 33 publications

(30 reference statements)

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“…Azobenzene is one of the most famous light‐controlled molecular switches and since the discovery of its photoinduced isomerization, it has been integrated in an incredible number of different functional chemical systems. Actually, it is difficult to think of a supramolecular system and function that has not be controlled or regulated by an azobenzene moiety . Noticeable applications range from classical supramolecular devices (recognition, self‐assembly, transport, sensing, catalysis, etc .)…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Configurational Selection in Azobenzene‐Based Supramolecular Systems Through Dual‐Stimuli Processes

Tecilla

Bonifazi

2020

ChemistryOpen

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Azobenzene is one of the most studied light-controlled molecular switches and it has been incorporated in a large variety of supramolecular systems to control their structural and functional properties. Given the peculiar isomeric distribution at the photoexcited state (PSS), azobenzene derivatives have been used as photoactive framework to build metastable supramolecular systems that are out of the thermodynamic equilibrium. This could be achieved exploiting the peculiar E/Z photoisomerization process that can lead to isomeric ratios that are unreachable in thermal equilibrium conditions. The challenge in the field is to find molecular architectures that, under given external circumstances, lead to a given isomeric ratio in a reversible and predictable manner, ensuring an ultimate control of the configurational distribution and system composition. By reviewing early and recent works in the field, this review aims at describing photoswitchable systems that, containing an azobenzene dye, display a controlled configurational equilibrium by means of a molecular recognition event. Specifically, examples include programmed photoactive molecular architectures binding cations, anions and H-bonded neutral guests. In these systems the non-covalent molecular recognition adds onto the thermal and light stimuli, equipping the supramolecular architecture with an additional external trigger to select the desired configuration composition.[a] Prof. P. Tecilla

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Configurational Selection in Azobenzene‐Based Supramolecular Systems Through Dual‐Stimuli Processes

Tecilla

Bonifazi

2020

ChemistryOpen

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“…The Z stereoisomer of azobenzene and the E → Z photoisomerization reaction were eventually discovered only in 1937 by G. S. Hartley, who was able to prove the formation of Z azobenzene by careful solvent extraction after light irradiation . Since then, and in particular during the past 30 years, azobenzene has grown in interest and popularity in the scientific community, and a myriad of experimental and computational studies involving azobenzene photoisomerization have been published . Beyond the fundamental research on the chemical and physical properties, the most widespread present application of azobenzene derivatives in nanotechnology is the design and realization of materials and nano‐devices able to carry out movements and functions triggered by light stimuli.…”

Section: Azobenzenementioning

confidence: 99%

Light‐Responsive (Supra)Molecular Architectures: Recent Advances

Baroncini

Groppi

Corrà

et al. 2019

Advanced Optical Materials

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The development and investigation of (supra)molecular‐based architectures characterized by light‐activated functionalities is a highly relevant topic of chemical research. The interest on photo‐controlled systems arises not only from their potential applications in different fields of technology but also from their scientific significance related to the understanding of light–matter interactions at the nanoscale. Indeed, light is a peculiar and unique tool as it can be conveniently applied to supply the energy required to affect and operate a system and, at the same time, to probe its state and investigate its transformations. Some basic aspects of light‐induced processes in (supra)molecular architectures are discussed here in the frame of their use to implement novel functionalities in nanostructured systems and materials. In this perspective, a few recent examples from our own work will be illustrated which are meant to provide an overview of the current directions in this highly cross‐disciplinary field of research.

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“…The two forms show significantly different structure and physicochemical properties, and their reversible interconversion is efficient, clean and fast. The E ‐ Z photoisomerization of azobenzene is therefore an ideal reaction to implement light‐driven functions within (supra)molecular systems and materials . Indeed, the first examples of molecular machines, reported in the early 80s, exploited the photoisomerization of azobenzene to operate molecular tweezers; in more recent years the evolution of this idea has led to the realization of highly sophisticated devices .…”

Section: Photoinduced Processes In Molecular and Supramolecular Symentioning

confidence: 99%

Photoactive Molecular‐Based Devices, Machines and Materials: Recent Advances

et al. 2018

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Molecular and supramolecular‐based systems and materials that can perform predetermined functions in response to light stimulation have been extensively studied in the past three decades. Their investigation continues to be a highly stimulating topic of chemical research, not only because of the inherent scientific value related to a bottom‐up approach to functional nanostructures, but also for the prospective applications in diverse fields of technology and medicine. Light is an important tool in this context, as it can be conveniently used both for supplying energy to the system and for probing its states and transformations. In this microreview we recall some basic aspects of light‐induced processes in (supra)molecular assemblies, and discuss their exploitation to implement novel functionalities with nanostructured devices, machines and materials. To this aim we illustrate a few examples from our own recent work, which are meant to illustrate the trends of current research in the field.

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The eternal youth of azobenzene: new photoactive molecular and supramolecular devices

Cited by 39 publications

References 33 publications

Configurational Selection in Azobenzene‐Based Supramolecular Systems Through Dual‐Stimuli Processes

Configurational Selection in Azobenzene‐Based Supramolecular Systems Through Dual‐Stimuli Processes

Light‐Responsive (Supra)Molecular Architectures: Recent Advances

Photoactive Molecular‐Based Devices, Machines and Materials: Recent Advances

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