ORGN 149 |
Molecular switching of structure and function using photochromic diarylethenes and phenoxynaphthacenequinones
| Neil R. Branda, Department of Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada |
Photochromic compounds reversibly interconvert between two colored isomers in response to irradiation with specific wavelengths of light. The scope of potential applications for photochromic compounds extends far beyond those that harness the mere optical changes that give these compounds their name. Applications can also utilize other structural and electronic changes that accompany the photochromic event. These include changes in topology and skeletal flexibility, changes in optical rotation and emission, and changes in conjugation. This lecture will focus on two photochromic derivatives. The first takes advantage of the reversible photo-induced isomerization of substituted phenoxynaphthacenequinone derivatives to regulate photo-induced electron transfer in light harvesting systems. The second highlights electronic variations within the photochromic 1,2-dithienylethene backbone. Representative examples that will be discussed include systems targeting the regulation of conjugated pathways and electron flow, the regulation of molecular receptors, and the modulation of membranes and gels. |
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