A Scanning Tunneling Microscopy Study of the Photoisomerization of Diazocine.

Azobenzenes are fascinating molecular machines that can reversibly transform between two isomeric forms by an external stimulus. Diazocine, a type of bridged azobenzene, has been shown to possess enhanced photoexcitation properties. Due to the distortion caused by the ethyl bridge in the E-isomer, the Z-form becomes the thermodynamically stable configuration.

Light-induced Photoswitching of 4-(Phenylazo)benzoic Acid on Au(111).

Photochromic molecules can undergo a reversible conversion between two isomeric forms upon exposure to external stimuli such as electromagnetic radiation. A significant physical transformation accompanying the photoisomerization process defines them as photoswitches, with potential applications in various molecular electronic devices. As such, a detailed understanding of the photoisomerization process on surfaces and the influence of the local chemical environment on switching efficiency is essential.