Faculty Sponsor
Dr. Jinjia Xu
Final Abstract for URS Program
Azobenzene molecular crystals are photoresponsive materials capable of undergoing reversible structural changes through trans-cis isomerization, producing macroscopic and microscopic responses such as deformation and motion. [1,2] Understanding how molecular substitution influences crystal packing and photochemical response is essential for designing functional photoactive materials. In this work, a series of azobenzene derivatives was synthesized through side-chain modification. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction was used to examine how alcohol and methoxy substitution affect intermolecular interactions and crystal packing, revealing distinct arrangements including variations in π-π stacking and hydrogen-bonding interactions. Optical microscopy under controlled irradiation conditions is being used to evaluate potential light-induced structural response in these materials. [3,4] In addition, the influence of pH is being investigated to assess its effects on hydrogen-bonding networks and crystal stability, including potential disruption of intramolecular hydrogen bonding and its impact on photoinduced behavior. UV-Visible spectroscopy confirmed photoisomerization behavior, and NMR spectroscopy verified the structure and purity of the synthesized compounds. Overall, this work provides insight into how molecular substitution governs crystal packing and photoinduced behavior in azobenzene systems.
1. Taniguchi, T.; Asahi, T.; Koshima, H. “Photomechanical Azobenzene Crystals.” Crystals 9, 1–14 (2019).
2. Uchida, E.; Azumi, R.; Norikane, Y. “Light-induced crawling of crystals on a glass surface.” Nature Communications 6, 1–7 (2015).
3. Wang, C.-H.; Lin, Y.-C.; Bhunia, S.; Feng, Y.; Kundu, P.; Stern, C. L.; Chen, P.-L.; Stoddart, J. F.; Horie, M. “Photosalience and Thermal Phase Transitions of Azobenzene- and Crown Ether-Based Complexes in Polymorphic Crystals.” Journal of the American Chemical Society 145, 21378–21386 (2023).
4. Saito, K.; Ichiyanagi, K.; Fukaya, R.; Haruki, R.; Nozawa, S.; Sasaki, D.; Arai, T.; Sasaki, Y. C.; McGehee, K.; Saikawa, M.; Gao, M.; Wei, Z.; Kwaria, D.; Norikane, Y. “Visualization of the Dynamics of Photoinduced Crawling Motion of 4-(Methylamino)Azobenzene Crystals via Diffracted X-ray Tracking.” International Journal of Molecular Sciences 24, 1–13 (2023).
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Document Type
Article