Spectral Tuning and Photoisomerization Efficiency in Push-Pull Azobenzenes: Designing Principles.

ABSTRACT: This work demonstrates how push-pull substitution can induce spectral tuning toward the visible range and improve the photoisomerization efficiency of azobenzene-based photoswitches, making them good candidates for technological and biological applications. The red-shifted bright ππ* state (S₂) behaves like the lower and more productive dark nπ* (S₁) state because less potential energy along the planar bending mode is available to reach higher energy unproductive nπ*/S₀ crossing regions, which are responsible for the lower quantum yield of the parent compound. The stabilization of the bright ππ* state and the consequent increase in isomerization efficiency may be regulated via the strength of push-pull substituents. Finall

SUBMITTER: Aleotti F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8015210 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature