Molecular Switches

Molecular Switches

Controlling structure on the molecular levels enables also controlling function in the macroscopic world. Especially interesting are geometries which can be reversibly altered between two, or even more states.

In this respect we synthesize and investigate molecular entities with multiples switching units, which are arranged in a cycle. Such an assembly induces changes from 2D to 3D. Additionally, the connectivity allows to control the switching process and to probe mechanistic insights, which are difficult with their linear counterpart. 

We developed efficient syntheses for various azobenzene macrocycles, presenting a ternary chiroptical switch, a switchable gel material or a molecular logic gate.

Azobenzenes also represent a powerful tool to study fundamental interactions, such as London dispersion.

The understanding of factors to tune stability, efficiency, as well as energetic issues is utilized to design novel materials for molecular solar thermal storage systems.

Recent Publications

"Exploring London dispersion and solvent interactions at alkyl-alkyl interfaces using azobenzene switches", M. A. Strauss, H. A. Wegner, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 2019, ASAP ; DOI: 10.1002/anie.201910734

"Intermolecular London Dispersion Interactions of Azobenzene Switches for Tuning Molecular Solar Thermal Energy Storage Systems", A. Kunz, A. H. Heindl, A. Dreos, Z. Wang, K. Moth-Poulsen, J. Becker, H. A. Wegner, ChemPlusChem, 2019, 84, 1145-1148; DOI: 10.1002/cplu.201900330