Molecular mechanics modeling of azobenzene-based photoswitches

J Mol Model. 2012 Jun;18(6):2479-82. doi: 10.1007/s00894-011-1270-6. Epub 2011 Oct 28.

Abstract

We present an extension of the generalized amber force field to allow the modeling of azobenzenes by means of classical molecular mechanics. TD-DFT calculations were employed to derive different interaction models for 4-hydroxy-4'-methyl-azobenzene, including the ground (S(0)) and S(1) excited state. For both states, partial charges and the -N = N- torsion potentials were characterized. On this basis, we pave the way to large-scale model simulations involving azobenzene molecular switches. Using the example of an isolated molecule, the mechanics of cyclic switching processes are demonstrated by classical molecular dynamics simulations.

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Azo Compounds / chemistry*
  • Isomerism
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Molecular Dynamics Simulation*
  • Photochemical Processes*
  • Quantum Theory
  • Thermodynamics

Substances

  • Azo Compounds
  • azobenzene