Work

Enhancing the Photoswitching Properties of N-Alkyl Imines

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide N -Alkyl imines are prevalent in dynamic-covalent chemistry and self-assembled structures, yet their E / Z photochromism is often overlooked due to the high-energy light required for isomerization. Here, we present a simple strategy to enhance their photoswitching properties, achieving switching wavelengths and photostationary state distributions comparable to azobenzene. Moreover, we demonstrate that these N -alkyl imines undergo photoisomerization in the condensed phase and exhibit isomer-dependent fluorescence. We anticipate that this study will inspire the design of photoresponsive architectures that operate directly at the dynamic-covalent bond, eliminating the need for dedicated photoswitchable motifs.

Source: Journal of the American Chemical Society

DOI: 10.1021/jacs.5c02404

Authors: Jiarong Wu, Lasse Kreimendahl, Jake L. Greenfield

Institution: University of Würzburg

Language: English

Topic: Photochromic and Fluorescence Chemistry

Subfield: Materials Chemistry

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,500

Funder: Fonds der Chemischen Industrie