A mercurated azobenzene complex for photoswitching between trans and cis forms

Authors
Barigelletti, F Ghedini, M Pucci, D La Deda, M
Citation
F. Barigelletti et al., A mercurated azobenzene complex for photoswitching between trans and cis forms, CHEM LETT, (4), 1999, pp. 297-298
Citations number
16
Categorie Soggetti
Chemistry
Journal title
CHEMISTRY LETTERS
ISSN journal
03667022 → ACNP
Issue
4
Year of publication
1999
Pages
297 - 298
Database
ISI
SICI code
0366-7022(199904):4<297:AMACFP>2.0.ZU;2-8
Abstract
A pro-mesogenic compound based on an ortho-mercurated derivative of the azo benzene chromophore undergoes reversible trans-cis photoisomerization. By e xploiting the spectral features of the orthometalated cis and trans isomers it is possible to produce photostationary states containing 78 and 90% of trails (rod-like, bright yellow) and cis (bent, colourless) isomers, respec tively, which may be the basis for an efficient all-optical control of ON/O FF liquid crystalline behaviour.