One-Pot Photoreactions: A Source for Metal-Polymer Nanocomposites.

We have developed a one-step, one-pot photo-induced method for synthesizing metal/polymer nanocomposites. This approach utilizes the photolysis of a bis(acyl)phosphane oxide (BAPO) photoinitiator. Two types of radicals are formed.

Azo-Bridged Dextran: A Photoresponsive Sustainable Material with Photo-Tunable Mechanical Properties.

We report on the synthesis, characterization, and properties of dextran polymers, which are covalently bridged/cross-linked by azobenzene moieties. The reversible photoactivity of the azo moiety is retained in the polymers, and the kinetics of the / isomerization depend on the dextran/azobenzene ratio. Together with the simple preparation, our approach provides convenient access to photoresponsive sustainable materials.

To Isomerize or not to Isomerize? E/Z Isomers of Cyclic Azobenzene Derivatives and Their Reactivity Upon One-Electron Reduction.

Azo compounds are efficient electron acceptors. Upon one-electron reduction they generally isomerize forming the thermodynamically most stable radical anion. Herein we show that the size of the central ring in 1,2-diazocines and diazonines has a ruling influence on the configuration of the one-electron reduced species.