Molecular Switches

Abstract

Molecules existing in two or more states are particularly attractive as molecular switches for molecular electronics applications. A stimulus may change such molecules between different redox states, between translational isomers, between cis and trans isomers, between isomers of electrocyclic reactions, or between different tautomers. This chapter describes how a variety of redox- and photoactive molecules can be used for conductance switching. It also describes synthetic protocols for some of the switches.