Exploring new reactivities of azobenzenes with visible light

Azobenzenes are archetypal molecules that have a central role in fundamental and applied research. They are widely used in the chemical industry as food additives, acid-base indicators, radical reaction initiators, and therapeutic agents. Photochemical reversible isomerization between the trans and the cis isomers of azobenzenes upon exposure to UV, visible light or thermal conditions is well-known. However, its reactivity under visible light conditions has been scarce investigated. We have studied the photoreactivity of alkynyl azobenzenes showing that different structures can be afforded simply varying the reaction conditions.

Speakers

Estibaliz Merino

University of Alcalá