Connectivity matters - ultrafast isomerization dynamics of bisazobenzene photoswitches

We have investigated the ultrafast dynamics of o -, m - and p -bisazobenzenes, which represent elementary building blocks for photoswitchable multiazobenzene nanostructures. The connectivity pattern within bisazobenzenes and the ensuing complex interactions between the individual azobenzene units de...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Physical chemistry chemical physics : PCCP 2016-06, Vol.18 (22), p.14795-1484
Main Authors: Slavov, Chavdar, Yang, Chong, Schweighauser, Luca, Boumrifak, Chokri, Dreuw, Andreas, Wegner, Hermann A, Wachtveitl, Josef
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Absorption
Band theory
Bleaching
Dynamic tests
Dynamics
Femtosecond
Isomerization
Mathematical analysis
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Summary:We have investigated the ultrafast dynamics of o -, m - and p -bisazobenzenes, which represent elementary building blocks for photoswitchable multiazobenzene nanostructures. The connectivity pattern within bisazobenzenes and the ensuing complex interactions between the individual azobenzene units determines the ultrafast dynamics of these compounds and their photochemical properties. While retaining a relatively high E → Z isomerization quantum yield, o -bisazobenzene exhibits a very high thermal relaxation rate (half-life of 1.6 ms). Our theoretical calculations reveal that the geometry allows intramolecular excitonic interaction between the azobenzene units, which is reflected in the femtosecond transient absorption data via the simultaneous bleaching of the two excitonic bands. In contrast, the properties of m -bisazobenzene are very similar to the monomeric azobenzene, with the two units acting nearly independently from each other. The highest degree of π conjugation extending over the two azobenzene units was observed for p -bisazobenzene, which results in strong planarity of the molecule, reduced excited state lifetime and relatively low isomerization quantum yield. Multiphotochromic systems bridge the gap between molecular photoswitches and macroscopic function and thus, understanding the properties of bisazobenzenes opens the way to the design and development of new structures with extensive and versatile applications. We have investigated the ultrafast dynamics of o -, m - and p -bisazobenzenes, which represent elementary building blocks for photoswitchable multiazobenzene nanostructures.
ISSN:1463-9076
1463-9084
DOI:10.1039/c6cp00603e