Molecules in motion: From sub-nanoscale to macroscale

Abstract

Ruthenium polypyridine complexes comprising sulfoxide ligands show dramatic photochromic behavior based on phototriggered S→O and O→S isomerization. Quantum yields of isomerization can be large, indicating that the excited-state bond-breaking and bond-making reactions are efficient. Ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy reveals both adiabatic and non-adiabatic isomerization mechanisms. Incorporation of these complexes within polymer matrices leads to macroscopic bending of the polymer in an exampl Copyright © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.