A Redox Isomerization Strategy for Accessing Modular Azobenzene Photoswitches with Near Quantitative Bidirectional Photoconversion.

ABSTRACT: Photoswitches capable of accessing two geometric states are highly desirable, especially if their design is modular and incorporates a pharmacophore tethering site. We describe a redox isomerization strategy for synthesizing p-formylazobenzenes from p-nitrobenzyl alcohol. The resulting azo-aldehydes can be readily converted to photoswitchable compounds with excellent photophysical properties using simple hydrazide click chemistry. As a proof of principle, we synthesized a photoswitchable surfactant enabling the photocontrol of an emulsion with exceptionally high spatiotemporal precision.

SUBMITTER: Zhu JS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7158698 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature