Crystallization‐Induced Emission of Azobenzene Derivatives. Issue 40 (23rd August 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yamauchi, Mitsuaki; Yokoyama, Kosuke; Aratani, Naoki; Yamada, Hiroko; Masuo, Sadahiro
• Is Part Of: Angewandte Chemie international edition. Volume 58:Issue 40(2019)
• Page Start: 14173
• Page End: 14178
• Publication Date: 2019-08-23
• Subjects: Azobenzene -- Crystallization-induced emission -- Kinetics -- Self-assembly; Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540
• DOI: 10.1002/anie.201908121
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1433-7851

Abstract

Abstract: Most azobenzene derivatives are utilized as well‐defined photoresponsive materials, but their emission properties have not been of great interest as they are relatively poor. Here, we report crystallization‐induced emission (CIE) based on the suppression of the photoisomerization of azobenzene derivatives. Although these molecules show negligible emission in solution, their microcrystals exhibit intense emission from the azobenzene moieties as a result of CIE. Upon rapid precipitation, fine particles with low crystallinity were kinetically formed and underwent CIE over time with a concomitant increase in crystallinity. Furthermore, we demonstrated "photocutting" of an emissive single crystal using a strong laser by a combination of CIE behavior and photomelting based on the photoisomerization of the azobenzene moiety. Our results regarding the CIE behavior of azobenzene derivatives in addition to their photoisomerization can provide a new platform for developing photoresponsive luminescent materials. Abstract : Glowing azobenzene : Crystallization‐induced emission (CIE) of an azobenzene derivative was demonstrated by fabricating microcrystals. For this CIE mechanism, the suppression of the photoisomerization of azobenzene moiety acts as a key factor. This finding can lead to a creation of new photoluminescent materials.