Two-photon induced isomerization through a cyaninic molecular antenna in azo compounds

Chem Commun (Camb). 2021 Mar 28;57(25):3123-3126. doi: 10.1039/d0cc08346a. Epub 2021 Feb 25.

Abstract

We present a new design for non-linear optically responsive molecules based on a modular scheme where a polymethinic antenna section with important two-photon absorption properties is bonded to an isomerizable actuator section composed of a stilbenyl-azopyrrole unit. Upon two photon excitation, energy migration from the antenna-localized second singlet excited state to the stilbenyl-azopyrrole section allows for efficient indirect excitation and phototransformation of this actuator.