Photoisomerization
In chemistry, photoisomerization is a form of isomerization induced by photoexcitation.[2] Both reversible and irreversible photoisomerizations are known for photoswitchable compounds. The term "photoisomerization" usually, however, refers to a reversible process.
Applications
Photoisomerization of the compound retinal in the eye allows for vision.
Photoisomerizable substrates have been put to practical use, for instance, in
Another class of device that uses the photoisomerization process is as an additive in
Examples
Azobenzenes,[1] stilbenes,[10] spiropyrans,[11] are prominent classes of compounds subject to photoisomerism.
In the presence of a catalyst,
Photoisomerization behavior can be roughly categorized into several classes. Two major classes are trans–cis (or E–Z) conversion, and open-closed ring transition. Examples of the former include stilbene and azobenzene. This type of compounds has a double bond, and rotation or inversion around the double bond affords isomerization between the two states.[13] Examples of the latter include fulgide and diarylethene. This type of compounds undergoes bond cleavage and bond creation upon irradiation with particular wavelengths of light. Still another class is the di-π-methane rearrangement.
Coordination chemistry
Many complexes are often photosensitive and many of these complexes undergo photoisomerization.[14] One case is the conversion of the colorless cis-bis(triphenylphosphine)platinum chloride to the yellow trans isomer.
Some coordination complexes undergo change in their spin state upon illumination, i.e. these are photosensitive spin crossover complexes.[15]